It seems Sylvia Sidney made a living in the 30's in weepy soap operas, playing (take your pick) fallen women, jaded women, compromised women, jilted women - usually as victim of a smooth talker. She excelled in these roles and she does not disappoint as Jennie Gerhardt. Of course, she is from the 'wrong side of the tracks' but her lover(s) have nobler intentions this time. First is a U. S. Senator (Edward Arnold) who dies in a train crash on his way back to marry her, leaving her preggers.
Next is Donald Cook, her rich employer who genuinely loves her and does not know about her child. They run away together, leaving her child with her cousin, and they traipse around Europe until he meets and old flame, the recently widowed Mary Astor. He decides he loves the widow and marries her. Sylvia now becomes the 'forgotten' woman.
But throughout their lives they did not forget one another, and on his death bed sends for her. They confess their love for one another before the final fadeout.
I have omitted some details, but you get the picture. In fact, see the picture if you can. It is worth your while and well done, a cut above such soaps, and the cast makes it so as well as production values. I saw it at Capitolfest, Rome, NY, 8/23.
******* 7/10. Website no longer prints my star ratings.
Next is Donald Cook, her rich employer who genuinely loves her and does not know about her child. They run away together, leaving her child with her cousin, and they traipse around Europe until he meets and old flame, the recently widowed Mary Astor. He decides he loves the widow and marries her. Sylvia now becomes the 'forgotten' woman.
But throughout their lives they did not forget one another, and on his death bed sends for her. They confess their love for one another before the final fadeout.
I have omitted some details, but you get the picture. In fact, see the picture if you can. It is worth your while and well done, a cut above such soaps, and the cast makes it so as well as production values. I saw it at Capitolfest, Rome, NY, 8/23.
******* 7/10. Website no longer prints my star ratings.