This was the first of three attempts at capturing Fanny Hurst's novel on-screen and, while not nearly as meritorious as the 1941, it was far better than the third. The plot revolves around two star-crossed lovers who are repeatedly separated, by fate and by their commitments to others, in
the course of their lifelong romance. Irene Dunne reflects the 1930s heroines in her happy-go-lucky attitude, and Boles is properly decent in his role as a man trapped between logic and emotion. Had this been the only cinematic look at
Back Street, it would have done the story justice. However, in
the hands of Ross Hunter (1961), the same story becomes glossy and passionles...
Released:
1932
Rated:
NR
Length:
86 mins