It's a definite fact that Phillips Holmes and Nancy Carroll are two of the best actors that only the really diehard classic movie fans have heard of. there are others who were forgotten up until TCM began broadcasting their films, but for some reason, outside a few films, these two are not well known. Their personalities in the films I have seen have withstood the test of time, and homes seems like he could have been successful in the 21st century as he was in the 1930's.
Having starred in the leading role in the original version of "A Place in the Sun" ("An American Tragedy", the same year as this), he is the personification of brooding desperation as a man who has robbed his employers and is planning on spending all of the money while on a luxurious excursion before committing suicide. He encounters prostitute Nancy Carroll who is equally desperate, and convinces her to join him. But while on their tropical john's, they fall in love, and Carol becomes determined to stop Holmes from going through with his plans.
While on vacation, they encounter the wealthy Louis Calhern who declares his love for Carroll and agrees to aid them. But is he friend or foe? this is a perfect example of why pre-code films have stood the test of time while many films made after the code seemed dated and silly. It really shows desperation of struggling people in the depression, and Holmes and Carroll really ignite a spark. Carroll, who appeared in several musicals, gets to show her dancing abilities here, and is really sensational. Their performances help make the implausibilities of the plot a bit more believable, and it is difficult to not root for them to somehow get away with their plans.
Having starred in the leading role in the original version of "A Place in the Sun" ("An American Tragedy", the same year as this), he is the personification of brooding desperation as a man who has robbed his employers and is planning on spending all of the money while on a luxurious excursion before committing suicide. He encounters prostitute Nancy Carroll who is equally desperate, and convinces her to join him. But while on their tropical john's, they fall in love, and Carol becomes determined to stop Holmes from going through with his plans.
While on vacation, they encounter the wealthy Louis Calhern who declares his love for Carroll and agrees to aid them. But is he friend or foe? this is a perfect example of why pre-code films have stood the test of time while many films made after the code seemed dated and silly. It really shows desperation of struggling people in the depression, and Holmes and Carroll really ignite a spark. Carroll, who appeared in several musicals, gets to show her dancing abilities here, and is really sensational. Their performances help make the implausibilities of the plot a bit more believable, and it is difficult to not root for them to somehow get away with their plans.