This is a film that took me by surprise as its message, at times, seemed rather pro-communist. I don't think that was the intention of the film, but considering it was made during a period in which Hollywood was having a minor 'red scare' of its own, I am surprised it was made.
Frederic March plays a very idealistic nobleman in pre-Revolutionary Russia. Unlike the rest of his kind, he is in favor of land reform and the removal of the class system. It's apparent he's been reading and agreeing with the writings of some of the radicals of his time.
Pretty Anna Sten is a peasant who works the land owned by March's family. She knows nothing of democracy or communism as she's uneducated and her wants are very simple--she wants Frederic. And, in a moment of weakness they sleep together--something that would not have been allowed to have in the film even later in 1934 due to the strengthened Production Code. This is especially true since she becomes pregnant!! But, by this point he's left and has no idea she was carrying his child.
Time passes and Anna is forced into a life of prostitution to support herself. Her 'beloved' Frederic, however, has settled into the life of a nobleman--forgetting all his political ideals and agreeing to marry a rich noble woman. When, by chance, Anna comes back into his life, however, he is shaken and wants to do the right thing. Is it too late? Especially since by now Anna herself is now on the political left! While none of the film is the least bit believable, it is entertaining and very slickly produced. It looks real nice and the romance is good as well--even when the plot gets a bit strange! Worth seeing and like most of Sam Goldwyn's other films, happens to be in the public domain.
Frederic March plays a very idealistic nobleman in pre-Revolutionary Russia. Unlike the rest of his kind, he is in favor of land reform and the removal of the class system. It's apparent he's been reading and agreeing with the writings of some of the radicals of his time.
Pretty Anna Sten is a peasant who works the land owned by March's family. She knows nothing of democracy or communism as she's uneducated and her wants are very simple--she wants Frederic. And, in a moment of weakness they sleep together--something that would not have been allowed to have in the film even later in 1934 due to the strengthened Production Code. This is especially true since she becomes pregnant!! But, by this point he's left and has no idea she was carrying his child.
Time passes and Anna is forced into a life of prostitution to support herself. Her 'beloved' Frederic, however, has settled into the life of a nobleman--forgetting all his political ideals and agreeing to marry a rich noble woman. When, by chance, Anna comes back into his life, however, he is shaken and wants to do the right thing. Is it too late? Especially since by now Anna herself is now on the political left! While none of the film is the least bit believable, it is entertaining and very slickly produced. It looks real nice and the romance is good as well--even when the plot gets a bit strange! Worth seeing and like most of Sam Goldwyn's other films, happens to be in the public domain.