Barbara Stanwyck. I've lost the ability to write anything objective about her. Was there ever a more perfect person for the pre-Code era? (Possibly Joan Blondell, but I digress.)
Miss Stanwyck is a torch singer in a bit of trouble, and decides to escape it by becoming a farmer's mail-order bride. The result is a warm, funny, charming picture, with more than a bit of Frank Capra about it (though actually directed, and beautifully so, by William Wellman). George Brent plays the farmer and is immensely likeable -- he and Stanwyck have terrific chemistry and are (at the risk of sounding cliche) a delight.
The ending is a bit abrupt after the easy flow of the film, but I still enjoyed it very much. Highly recommended!
I give this one: 
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2 comments:
i'm a big fan of Purchase Price...and most other Wellman films of that era. His tough, fast paced storytelling style was a perfect match to the pre-code WB type film and in fact to me its what defined it more than any other single filmaker on their lot at the time. Brent was probably never more effective or likable and it gave a nice role to Lyle Talbot as well but Barbara is the show here and as always she comes through aces. So yes, i agree, highly recommended! :D
It's a passable film, but not my favorite of her Pre-Code days.
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