When the story begins, Mary (Sylvia Sidney) is getting out of prison. It seems her husband led her astray and she's determined not to make that mistake again and live the straight and narrow. During a rain storm, she meets Harry (George Raft) and things are looking up for her. But her ex- isn't about to let go of her...and while he's in prison, he's making plans for the two of them
In the meantime, Mary wants to see Harry make more of himself and thinks that he's just settling with his job. Harry is happy to just be a cab driver. Well, Mary is determined to help him be more...and manipulates him nicely to get him to work his way up in life. But without a marriage....how long can she hold on to him...especially when another woman seems very interested in him? And, what's next for this unusual couple?
This film is a good example of a Pre-Code film. For example, early in the film, Mary needs a place to stay and Harry lets her stay with him in his apartment...something you just wouldn't have seen after the tough Production Code was implemented in mid-1934. Additionally, later the two live as husband and wife, as she tells him she's married but isn't planning on getting a divorce...again, something they wouldn't have allowed in this film had it been made a year later. And, finally, there is a woman who is trying to take Harry away from Mary...and Murial isn't afraid to chase after Harry and is very aggressive..describing herself as 'wicked'! Again, something you probably wouldn't have seen during the Code era. In the Code era, women were NOT supposed to be so aggressive nor enjoy a little hanky-panky! This lady clearly enjoys having a good time and has no interest in marriage!
So is that any good? Yes. Sidney in particular is quite charming and does a nice job here. As for Raft, he's not the same sort of guy you'd see in later films....his character is less sure of himself and a bit dim compared to his other movies. As for the plot, well, it's a bit tough to believe where all this goes...but it IS very entertaining and never dull.
