The film explains the decline of Helen Morgan (Ann Blyth) into alcoholism as the result of unsuccessful romances, especially one with Larry Maddux (Newman), a two-bit bootlegger
Larry is an almost one-dimensional and ultimately unbelievable character, but he does have qualities that are developed further in later Newman films: he is opportunistic, exploitative, smooth-talking, a man from the wrong side of the tracks who tries to better himself
Like other Newman characters, he is an outlawa con man and gangsterand it is noteworthy that Curtiz had directed Cagney, Bogart and other tough guys in Warners' Golden Era Larry is also the first of Newman's womanizersdetached, rough, abusive, but irresistibly charming and sexy He manages to seduce Helen while remaining nasty and cynical, then abandons her, only to keep reappearing and ruining her life At best he can say, "In my own way, Helen, I love you," although in the unconvincing ending, he reforms
Larry is an almost one-dimensional and ultimately unbelievable character, but he does have qualities that are developed further in later Newman films: he is opportunistic, exploitative, smooth-talking, a man from the wrong side of the tracks who tries to better himself
Like other Newman characters, he is an outlawa con man and gangsterand it is noteworthy that Curtiz had directed Cagney, Bogart and other tough guys in Warners' Golden Era Larry is also the first of Newman's womanizersdetached, rough, abusive, but irresistibly charming and sexy He manages to seduce Helen while remaining nasty and cynical, then abandons her, only to keep reappearing and ruining her life At best he can say, "In my own way, Helen, I love you," although in the unconvincing ending, he reforms