One of the most unforgettable moments of Warner Brothers' 1933 musical "Gold Diggers of 1933" was the closing number saluting to the returning veterans of World War I who were lost throughout the 20's and early 30's in a maze of massive unemployment, war injuries, prohibition and ultimately the depression. This movie dramatizes the life of such a man (Richard Barthelmess) who comes home from war to find disappointment, ultimate success, and eventually prison and destitution. He sees his heroism being taken over by a cowardly partner, looses his wife in a riot, and ends up in jail for supposedly leading that riot. This pre-code drama covers a lot of territory in a short period of time, and is one reason why Warner Brothers (then producing the gangster films "Little Caesar" and "The Public Enemy", as well as social dramas such as "I am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang" and "Wild Boys of the Road") is regarded as Hollywood's grittiest studio. Barthelmess is merely acceptable as the hero, while Loretta Young is his lovely bride. Aline MacMahon is outstanding as his devoted friend, loving him from the side, and stepping in every time the going gets tough. The scenes of the flop house she runs are unforgettable and filmed with the grittiness that made Warner Brothers great. MacMahon would show her comic skills the very same year as the most acerbic of 1933's "Gold Diggers", and here, her dramatic talents are utilized to the max.
Review of Heroes for Sale
