lbkrahn The emotion Barbara brought to this role was just stunning. I can feel everything she is feeling by her subtle yet brilliant facial expressions. This was one of her early films and it is apparent that by the late 1930s, she was already a master actor. No overacting is present in this unknown little gem. Also, Herbert Marshall is delightfully British, as he usually is. Highly recommended for those who are interested in a very compelling drama. I am very surprised that this film is virtually unknown today, since the subject matter will be relevant no matter what time period we are in. Hopefully, now that this is available from some kind of "archive-type" studio DVD, it will become more well-known.

bruno-32 Can you imagine showing this film today in a renewal house? "Little Black Sambo" story was banned way back when. In today's politically correct atmosphere? I never understood why it was banned. Its true, the story had it laid out I presumed in Africa and the boy was black, so what was it that offended? As for the movie, I see the year was 1938 which meant that either the film was made in 1937 or in that year itself. Certainly things have changed since. But I found the story a bit too cute for words. That story line was played to the hilt during that period. If it wasn't Barbara, it was Lombard or Harlow, or Loretta Young doing the suffering..

PamelaShort Barbara Stanwyck gives an admirable charming performance as a young woman who survives a personal and emotional tragedy, and triumphs in the end. This film could have been very heavy melodrama, but the story is uplifted with some well placed comedy played exuberantly by Cesar Romero. Herbert Marshall is outstanding in his portrayal of the kind and sympathetic friend who helps Stanwyck's character to overcome and flourish. Most delightful is child actor Johnny Russell, who plays Roddy, the little boy Stanwyck had to give up at birth. The playfulness between Stanwyck and Russell is very sweet, genuine and adorable to watch. Binnie Barnes, Lynn Bari and Ian Hunter all play their roles adequately. Barbara Stanwyck is very beautiful and as always manages to shine through this routine melodrama, with its twists and turns, it is her performance which produces a most touching story. A full synopsis of this film would spoil it for the reader, and although the story may feel a little dated now, it is still a must see for all die-hard Barbara Stanwyck fans, and is also an excellent example for those who love films from the 1930s.

dbdumonteil The thirties were a good time for melodrama,par excellence the female movie.In almost all the great melodramas of the era "Imitation of life" and " Only Yesterday" by Stahl or "Mannequin" by Borzage ,the woman realizes she's through with love and she becomes generally a brilliant business woman,be it in the pancakes ,the stock exchange or the chic fashion for selfish ladies who do not think twice when it comes to sending their soon-to-be adoptive child to a military school.Routine situation in melodrama:Stanwyck's fiancé got run over and she is pregnant by him.In those ancient times,the only solution was to find a family where the child would be fine .But some fine day ,in old France,the mother meets again his little boy.Barbara Stanwyck gives a fine sensitive (and a bit mischievous:the way she gets rid of Jessica is delightful)portrayal .In the end, somehow or other, woman must be prepared to sacrifice something.That's the golden rule of melodrama.Like this?try these"The old maid " Edmund Goulding 1939 "To each his own" Mitchell Leisen 1946