John Wayne plays the complete opposite of his usual role and he plays it to perfection. In a secondary role, he is the love sick former parter of beautiful Joan Blondell. Blondell is most effervescent as a woman longing for high society and finds it with an alcoholic Ray Middleton. Blanche Yurka plays a strong role as the nemesis protecting the sinister family past. Hattie Noel is brilliant in her role as the maid who speaks truth to power in spectacular fashion. Of course Edith Barrett is perfection in her most memorable role as the abused sister. Some reviewers complained of the stereotypes here, however viewing this film in its entirety there is absolutely no substance to these claims. The film is clearly conveying the opposite and passionately exposes the manifest errors of elite society. Joan Blondell was the victim of violent abuse in real life. In her real life and in this movie, she champions freedom, humanity, and love in dramatic fashion.
Review of Lady for a Night
