Confession is one of Kay Francis' best Warner vehicles. Made just before Warners dumped her in B movies in 1937, it showcases Kay at her very best. Suffering nobly for past sins; Mother Love; Murder! It's all way over the top and full of Hollywood coincidences, but a perfect example of the classy soaps they made back in the 30's. A remake (shot for shot) of a German Pola Negri vehicle (even to the length of the scenes), Married Kay loses her reputation, thanks to baddie Basil Rathbone (in this version, Kay winds up passing out at his place, in full clothes! One imagines the Negri vehicle had more steam involved) Kay hits the skids and becomes a seedy cabaret entertainer (this part is fun) tarted up a la Dietrich and singing (probably dubbed) But tragedy strikes once again as her long lost daughter (who does not know Kay is her mother)falls for caddish Rathbone (who makes a reappearance) and Kay takes the law in her own hands. The story unfolds in flashbacks as Kay goes on trial. The story requires quite a bit of suspension of disbelief, but is so well done, you just go along with it! If you ever wondered why Kay Francis was such a big star, this movie shows why. Enjoy it!
Review of Confession
