Always Goodbye

Dated, creaky melodrama is distinguished by a reliably solid performance from Stanwyck, and good support from Marshall and cheerfully flamboyant Romero. At it's best in its opening scenes, where Stanwyck creates tangible despair for her 'scandalous' situation, but starts plodding as it goes on, not helped by a bratty performance from Russell as the grown child.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7wt-q-xZCc [480p] [OPEN CAPTIONS: fra]

I'm really not sure what I think about this movie. I liked that they dealt with subject matter that wasn't talked about much during this time period even if the film was mostly played for laughs. But I really disliked the resolution of the film as I found that it would've made everyone unhappy after awhile and I felt that the wrap up was way too rushed. A decent movie with solid performances, including Cesar Romero over the top one, a brisk pace and a distasteful ending.

For Barbara Stanwyck fans only, unless you love bland melodramas saved from terminal droopiness by Cesar Romero popping up repeatedly. Solidly virtuous Marshall arranges for the adoption of penniless Stanwyck's illegitimate son, then gets her a job in a dress boutique. 5 years later she meets the son by chance at the Ritz in Paris (!), blows off Romero's invitation to Deauville at the last moment (!) and takes the same boat as the kid back to New York (!). Predictable emotional turmoil ensues.

The 1938 remake of Gallant Lady (1933) has Barbara Stanwyck & Herbert Marshall. The quality between the '33 and '38 films is about even. This one feels a little more up-beat. Cesar Romero plays the count, all full of energy and is the one that keeps this from being melodrama fluff. Stanwyck is a darling. Perhaps a little too routine for her, but we all know Stanwyck has a magnificent screen presence and it's a pleasure to see her work the role with such ease.