IMDb lists this film as a drama but the presence of Fuzzy Knight as Wally means that Comedy/Drama is more appropriate as he provides some very amusing moments.Having said that it is drama which predominates. Sally Bates,played by the excellent Isabel Jewell,comes to California from her home in Texas hoping to take up residence with her sister. Unfortunately for Sally her sister has moved away and she (Sally) finds herself homeless. Calling at a roadside diner owned by Bill Cutler (Buster Crabbe)she is immediately drawn to him and vice versa. However,he is already in a relationship with the wealthy and snobbish Clara Berry. Clara loves him but her feelings are not reciprocated.Sally and Bill are soon deeply in love and the remainder of the film is taken up with how they overcome the many obstacles put in the path of true love. These include a disapproving mother,Clara's brother becoming infatuated with Sally,a hasty marriage,attempted blackmail and a violent death. A lot is packed into the film's short running time and there is never a dull moment. We are even treated to the sight of Sally ripping her evening gown off in a busy nightclub. Wow! This perhaps sounds a bit extreme but is all done in the best possible taste.
There is a downside to the film. Buster Crabbe is handsome and charming and obviously ideal for portraying the hero of a serial. However,to me he lacks real acting ability and seems out of his depth here. Also there is some damage to the print which overall is not of the best quality. The film has been released by Alpha Video so we can be sure that nothing has been done to improve it. It didn't spoil my own enjoyment. I've watched it three times so far and will be doing so again. Even if it had no other merits I would watch it for Isabel Jewell's excellent performance. I feel she had great potential which for some reason was never really fulfilled, which is sad.
