Story of a man named Tom Holmes (Richard Barthelmess) and the many hardships he faces. The movie starts in WWI where Tom is seriously injured being a hero. But all he gets for that is an addiction to morphine he takes for the pain, while his commanding officer gets a medal and takes the glory for Tom's actions. Tom is fired from his job and committed to a clinic for his morphine addiction. While he's detoxing, his mom dies. Then things gets better for awhile before he gets mixed up with the "Red Scare" and it all comes crashing down again.
Fascinating curio of its era that tackles several topical issues. Richard Barthelmess, little known today, gives a compelling performance that carries the whole film. Loretta Young is lovely and sweet as his dutiful wife. Great character actress Aline MacMahon gives a sensitive turn as their friend. Robert Barrat is quite good as a hypocritical socialist. Well-directed by William Wellman with a solid script, this is a must-see for fans of gritty Depression-era films. It's fine entertainment but it also gives you a lot to think about.
Fascinating curio of its era that tackles several topical issues. Richard Barthelmess, little known today, gives a compelling performance that carries the whole film. Loretta Young is lovely and sweet as his dutiful wife. Great character actress Aline MacMahon gives a sensitive turn as their friend. Robert Barrat is quite good as a hypocritical socialist. Well-directed by William Wellman with a solid script, this is a must-see for fans of gritty Depression-era films. It's fine entertainment but it also gives you a lot to think about.