Here's another good example of an entertaining early 1930s film, sometimes referred to as "Pre-Code movies." One aspect of them is that most are very fast-moving, and "Heroes For Sale" is no exception.
Yes, it has some whopping credibility issues but many movies do. The fact is, it was extremely entertaining, "and that's the name of that tune," as "Baretta" used to say.
Not only was the story fast-paced but the characters are very diverse and the acting is excellent. So is the direction of William Wellman and the photography of James Van Trees. Wow, there were great facial closeups in this film and some of the camera-work was way ahead of its time, with hand-held-like shots here and there.
As for the story, well....talk about a guy who gets bad breaks in life but keeps his chin up! That's "Tom Holmes" (Richard Barthelmess), who gets robbed out of being honored as a World War I hero while some wimpy snake gets the honor instead, later gets arrested and thrown in jail for five years for the doing the opposite of what he really was doing! He also loses his beautiful and beloved wife "Ruth" (Loretta Young) and yet survives it all with dignity and an attitude that would make Mother Teresa and Billy Graham proud. Money? To Mr. Holmes, that's only to use for either family or people in need, never for himself. The thing he does near the end of the film with all his money is mind-boggling but the greatest, unselfish act you'll ever see on film.
The supporting actors in here fascinating, beginning with Aline MacMahon as "Mary Dennis," another really good-hearted person. Then there's the crazy Communist, "Max Brinker," (Robert Barret) who spouts off throughout the first half of the movie about the evils of capitalism, but then changes his tune when he becomes rich!!! Those two, along with Gordon Westcott's portrayal of "Roger Winston," a man who is constantly too weak to do the right things, are all mesmerizing in their own ways.
Everybody in here is interesting, to be honest. This movie is worth a look if you see it listed on the TCM Network. It's also part of the DVD, "Forbidden Hollywood: Volume Three."
Yes, it has some whopping credibility issues but many movies do. The fact is, it was extremely entertaining, "and that's the name of that tune," as "Baretta" used to say.
Not only was the story fast-paced but the characters are very diverse and the acting is excellent. So is the direction of William Wellman and the photography of James Van Trees. Wow, there were great facial closeups in this film and some of the camera-work was way ahead of its time, with hand-held-like shots here and there.
As for the story, well....talk about a guy who gets bad breaks in life but keeps his chin up! That's "Tom Holmes" (Richard Barthelmess), who gets robbed out of being honored as a World War I hero while some wimpy snake gets the honor instead, later gets arrested and thrown in jail for five years for the doing the opposite of what he really was doing! He also loses his beautiful and beloved wife "Ruth" (Loretta Young) and yet survives it all with dignity and an attitude that would make Mother Teresa and Billy Graham proud. Money? To Mr. Holmes, that's only to use for either family or people in need, never for himself. The thing he does near the end of the film with all his money is mind-boggling but the greatest, unselfish act you'll ever see on film.
The supporting actors in here fascinating, beginning with Aline MacMahon as "Mary Dennis," another really good-hearted person. Then there's the crazy Communist, "Max Brinker," (Robert Barret) who spouts off throughout the first half of the movie about the evils of capitalism, but then changes his tune when he becomes rich!!! Those two, along with Gordon Westcott's portrayal of "Roger Winston," a man who is constantly too weak to do the right things, are all mesmerizing in their own ways.
Everybody in here is interesting, to be honest. This movie is worth a look if you see it listed on the TCM Network. It's also part of the DVD, "Forbidden Hollywood: Volume Three."