Good start, but then it gets ruined

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Blistering performances.

Recently saw this film at UCLA Film Archives and found this pre-code film quite fun and bold for its time. Loretta Young, Joyce Compton and Joan Marsh play 3 different women, each from small towns, to make their way in Chicago. The dialogue is quite racy and bold, especially with Joan Marsh, as a blonde vixen wanting to get the best she can get without working too hard. Her motto is their are two kinds of girls, smart girls and dumb ones. John Wayne is actually very good in his role, as the guy who meets, loves and loses Joan Marsh but is also develops a friendship, then attraction to Loretta Young. Loretta Young is really good as a girl who wants to try something new and take a risk with her life and wishes the same for her fiancée to try something different and use ambition and interest in something outside of their small town. Joyce Compton is the third girl who gets in way over her head and falls for a married guy and sleeps with him (all implied, and he's never seen, but its discussed quite openly).

After 'The Big Trail', the 24 year old John Wayne was on $75 per week. This film highlights his awkward sideways smile, a genuine expression from his soul. He delivers his lines clumsily though, fluffing a few simple words.