There are echoes of Dos Passos here, especially the USA trilogy, perhaps most notably in the 'wobblies' sequences though strangely for such a factual hard-hitting film the Industrial Workers Of The World are never mentioned by name nor is Gene Debs, whose philosophy runs through it. Like The Roaring Twenties at the end of the decade it begins in the trenches of WW1 where the character of the protagonists are quickly delineated. Richard Barthelmes is also something of a Candide figure - not perhaps so obvious as his similarity to Jean Valjean - taking every setback on the chin and still keeping his humanity intact. The plot has been dealt with in reasonable detail by other commenters so suffice it to say that the support is excellent notably from Aline McMahon, with Charley Grapewin, Robert Barratt and Loretta Young not far behind. A memorable early talkie.
Review of Heroes for Sale
