Lorry Evans (Constance Bennett) and Minnie Brown (Pert Kelton) are released from prison. They are hookers who sometimes roll their drunk clients. When Lorry is accused of stealing, she jumps off the steamboat and gets fished out by barge owner Dan (Joel McCrea). She falls for him, but he is not rich enough. She still steals from him before leaving. She next targets wealthy publisher Stephen Paige (John Halliday).
This is a pre-Code dramedy. The character Lorry is definitely pre-Code. She's also hard to root for. It could be fun to be a con, but she's not fun. She's bitter. When she tries to be a victim, it doesn't work. I'm not sure about Paige either. I get the physical attraction, but he can do better if he just wants a fling. Their start does not warrant his investment. The love triangle is problematic. Pert Kelton is doing the sassy wise-cracking best friend and she's probably the only hitting the right notes. This is a borderline case.
This is a pre-Code dramedy. The character Lorry is definitely pre-Code. She's also hard to root for. It could be fun to be a con, but she's not fun. She's bitter. When she tries to be a victim, it doesn't work. I'm not sure about Paige either. I get the physical attraction, but he can do better if he just wants a fling. Their start does not warrant his investment. The love triangle is problematic. Pert Kelton is doing the sassy wise-cracking best friend and she's probably the only hitting the right notes. This is a borderline case.