Relentlessly romantic optimist Frank Borzage is the last director you'd expect to turn out an effective film noir, but this brilliantly directed drama was his sound-era masterpiece. Dane Clark gives a bruised and brooding performance as a young man convinced that his father's "bad blood" has sealed his miserable fate. Can he be saved by the love of angelic Gail Russell? Borzage lets the question linger throughout and ruminates on humanity’s worst tendencies with stretches of unencumbered visual brilliance. His silent-era mastery is evident through the film’s use of montage and subjective camerawork. The opening and closing scenes, in particular, showcase some of the best work he’s ever done. Featuring strong supporting performances by Ethel Barrymore, Rex Ingram, Lloyd Bridges, and Harry Morgan. 

Restored 35mm print courtesy of UCLA Film & Television Archive.