This was one of the more difficult Errol Flynn movies to watch--mostly because Flynn plays a character that is probably more like him off-screen than any other he played (except, perhaps in one one of his last films when he played John Barrymore). Flynn is a ne'er-do-well brother who is shacked up with Ida Lupino. Lupino has practically no self-respect, as Flynn likes her but never in any way shows he loves her or her baby (by the way, WHOSE baby this is isn't discussed at all). Flynn ignores her, flirts with other women openly and is emotionally shallow. How a woman could love a creep like this is quite baffling--though I know there are many like this! Into their poor world comes Flynn's brother, played by Gig Young. Apparently his fiancée and her family thought that Lupino was living in sin with him (Young), when it was really with Flynn (the brother). She dumped him and ran off and Flynn and Lupino urge him to follow her. In fact, they all go off together singing and doing odd jobs to pay their way.
Eventually, Flynn finds this fiancée first (played by Eleanor Parker). She seems to have gotten over Young very quickly and is soon smitten with Flynn--even AFTER she finds out he's been living with Lupino. Later, when Flynn and Lupino marry, Parker STILL secretly wants him. Apparently, Lupino is not the only idiot female in the movie! Well, to make a long story short, Parker and young break up and Flynn is about to run off with her when he finally shows he has some conscience and runs back to Lupino. By now, Lupino's baby had died due to neglect (Flynn didn't have a steady job and seemed unconcerned that the baby lived in a cold apartment and was sick). And naturally, Lupino takes him back, because, after all, she IS an idiot!! If you want a film that makes a lot of sense and where you can respect the characters, then find another film. It is an interesting character study but with either stupid females as well as a sex-crazed and shallow leading man (Flynn), it's still tough to watch. After all, if you can't like or respect the characters, it's tough to stick with a movie. It was well made and produced--but the plot just wasn't very satisfying and was quite forgettable.
Eventually, Flynn finds this fiancée first (played by Eleanor Parker). She seems to have gotten over Young very quickly and is soon smitten with Flynn--even AFTER she finds out he's been living with Lupino. Later, when Flynn and Lupino marry, Parker STILL secretly wants him. Apparently, Lupino is not the only idiot female in the movie! Well, to make a long story short, Parker and young break up and Flynn is about to run off with her when he finally shows he has some conscience and runs back to Lupino. By now, Lupino's baby had died due to neglect (Flynn didn't have a steady job and seemed unconcerned that the baby lived in a cold apartment and was sick). And naturally, Lupino takes him back, because, after all, she IS an idiot!! If you want a film that makes a lot of sense and where you can respect the characters, then find another film. It is an interesting character study but with either stupid females as well as a sex-crazed and shallow leading man (Flynn), it's still tough to watch. After all, if you can't like or respect the characters, it's tough to stick with a movie. It was well made and produced--but the plot just wasn't very satisfying and was quite forgettable.