In this classically independent, feminist role for Katharine Hepburn, old Hollywood gets their hooks into the main message. A woman who seems to be a rebellious and independent really has all the same flaws as everyone else of her sex: she falls in love with a man. As in most stories-and let's face it, these movies mirror real life-a woman's main goal isn't to be free of men's ties, but to fall in love. While Kate and her sister, Elizabeth Allan, are bullied by their stern father, Donald Crisp, Kate's form of rebellion is to sneak off and start a relationship with Van Heflin consisting of clandestine meetings and lots of kisses. Since this is a period piece, those types of kisses would only be shared by married people, and if discovered, her reputation would be ruined. That's a great way to show feminine independence, right, to let a man ruin your reputation?
Anyway, the twists and turns of life make Kate soon regret her affiliation with Van. Her decisions aren't the smartest, and pretty much every hassle in her life could be avoided. I found it hard to feel sorry or root for her, even though it was clear the audience was supposed to do both. On the upside, Kate looks really pretty in this movie! If you like seeing Herbert Marshall as the long-suffering man on the outside looking in you can rent this one, but it sure doesn't make Van Heflin seem very likable. This was his first movie, though, and quite a break for him to be paired up against such established heavyweights!
Anyway, the twists and turns of life make Kate soon regret her affiliation with Van. Her decisions aren't the smartest, and pretty much every hassle in her life could be avoided. I found it hard to feel sorry or root for her, even though it was clear the audience was supposed to do both. On the upside, Kate looks really pretty in this movie! If you like seeing Herbert Marshall as the long-suffering man on the outside looking in you can rent this one, but it sure doesn't make Van Heflin seem very likable. This was his first movie, though, and quite a break for him to be paired up against such established heavyweights!