Well, this was the the studio system, for better or for worse. In this case, it leans toward worse. This is "B" level material and the execution probably doesn't reach that level. Dickie Moore and John Litel stand out in an incredibly lackluster vehicle. Widowed mother falls on hard times, and 3 of 4 children ungratefully go to live with rich aunt (who hates the mother). If the aunt were re-written as an uncle, she'd twirl her mustache. In fact she may have twirled her mustache anyway when I wasn't looking. Contract players, showing for all the world why they toil in obscurity. Strangely, the plot hints at the questioned paternity of the youngest, and most loyal child (Moore). Pretty racy for the time, but of course only hinted at so that you might miss it. I always thought John Farrow did better work than this. Bad pacing, although at 65 minutes, you'd think they could have taken their time. But on second thought, get it over with.
After reading other comments, and a slavish devotion to TCM, I now realize that Kay Francis is the mother. Wow, she was rapidly going downhill to be in this vehicle. Did they want her to quit?
After reading other comments, and a slavish devotion to TCM, I now realize that Kay Francis is the mother. Wow, she was rapidly going downhill to be in this vehicle. Did they want her to quit?