Two sisters, two paths to womanhood — but only one gets to choose.
To relieve the burden placed on their mother, Alice Sturgis (Wanda Hawley) marries and has several children, while her independent sister, Jeanette (Mae Busch), goes to work as a stenographer. Eventually, she is forced to marry a persistent salesman to avoid a scandal. Becoming disillusioned with married life, Jeanette leaves the salesman, but after 3 years' separation she realizes her need for a family and returns to him.
Acting
Mae Busch's face does what dialogue can't — devastating.
Direction
Schertzinger stages economic desperation like a thriller.
Director
Victor Schertzinger
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during the brief 'pre-Code' window, this sneaks in divorce, desertion, and female desire before Hays cracked down in 1934.
Director Schertzinger later scored two Best Song Oscars — from silents to 'White Christmas,' wild trajectory.
US
