Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this film is that supporting actor Gig Young, became Gig Young after appearing as the character Gig Young in this film.
Aside from that, it's a very watchable film, although there's something that -- to me -- doesn't seem quite logical. It begins with three sisters whose mother is killed on the Lusitania. Then, in a sentimental scene, their army officer father goes off to World War I and is killed in action. The film then picks up with the adult sisters fighting in court for their inheritance against antagonist Charles Barclay (George Brent), who argues against the original will based on a later will. From there the story rambles from the love-hate relationship between Brent and Stanwyck and the romantic triangle between the other two sisters and Gig Young. What is this film? A farce, a comedy, a soapy drama? The director doesn't seem to be quite sure.
If there's any reason to watch this film, it's not the script...but perhaps it is the performances. Barbara Stanwyck is not a very likable character here, although given the script, she plays it well. For a great deal of the first half of the film, George Brent doesn't have a lot to do, even though his character is key to the plot. Geraldine Fitzgerald is fine as one of the sisters, as is Nancy Coleman. Donald Crisp has a rather nice supporting role as a lawyer, and I couldn't help but think what a versatile character actor he was. Gene Lockhart plays a kiss-ass lawyer.
Not a great film...a flawed script...but decent acting. Not one for the DVD shelf, but perhaps worth one watch when it's on TCM.
Aside from that, it's a very watchable film, although there's something that -- to me -- doesn't seem quite logical. It begins with three sisters whose mother is killed on the Lusitania. Then, in a sentimental scene, their army officer father goes off to World War I and is killed in action. The film then picks up with the adult sisters fighting in court for their inheritance against antagonist Charles Barclay (George Brent), who argues against the original will based on a later will. From there the story rambles from the love-hate relationship between Brent and Stanwyck and the romantic triangle between the other two sisters and Gig Young. What is this film? A farce, a comedy, a soapy drama? The director doesn't seem to be quite sure.
If there's any reason to watch this film, it's not the script...but perhaps it is the performances. Barbara Stanwyck is not a very likable character here, although given the script, she plays it well. For a great deal of the first half of the film, George Brent doesn't have a lot to do, even though his character is key to the plot. Geraldine Fitzgerald is fine as one of the sisters, as is Nancy Coleman. Donald Crisp has a rather nice supporting role as a lawyer, and I couldn't help but think what a versatile character actor he was. Gene Lockhart plays a kiss-ass lawyer.
Not a great film...a flawed script...but decent acting. Not one for the DVD shelf, but perhaps worth one watch when it's on TCM.