This is an unusual film for Monogram Pictures since it actually has a few relatively big-name actors--something you don't usually see from a 3rd rate studio like this one. Kay Francis, Otto Kruger and Paul Kelly actually bolster the film with their decent performances--otherwise, the film probably wouldn't be seen or noticed today.
The plot is odd and I wonder if the problem discussed in the film was real. According to ALLOTMENT WIVES, there was a lot of fraud during WWII, as women would quickly marry G.I.s just so they can get their monthly allotment checks. Some of these women even married multiple times under a variety of names in order to make a huge killing by cheating the system!!
Kelly is a Colonel in the army and is asked to go undercover to determine who is at the heart of this scam. In other words, these are not isolated cases but are part of an organized crime network. Now considering that Kay Francis is in the film, it's not hard to guess that she's the evil genius behind the scam and this is revealed rather early in the film--thus taking away much of the element of surprise. However, subplots involving a lady named Gloria and Francis' on-screen daughter are mildly interesting and keep the film moving--but don't expect much magic or excitement. It's a better than average Monogram film, but considering that this studio was known for creating crap, that isn't saying much. It's watchable and interesting but that's about all.
The plot is odd and I wonder if the problem discussed in the film was real. According to ALLOTMENT WIVES, there was a lot of fraud during WWII, as women would quickly marry G.I.s just so they can get their monthly allotment checks. Some of these women even married multiple times under a variety of names in order to make a huge killing by cheating the system!!
Kelly is a Colonel in the army and is asked to go undercover to determine who is at the heart of this scam. In other words, these are not isolated cases but are part of an organized crime network. Now considering that Kay Francis is in the film, it's not hard to guess that she's the evil genius behind the scam and this is revealed rather early in the film--thus taking away much of the element of surprise. However, subplots involving a lady named Gloria and Francis' on-screen daughter are mildly interesting and keep the film moving--but don't expect much magic or excitement. It's a better than average Monogram film, but considering that this studio was known for creating crap, that isn't saying much. It's watchable and interesting but that's about all.