Lily Turner

The 1930's was still an era when carnivals travelled from town to town and life for "carnies" was not a pleasant one (see "Freaks" or "Nightmare Alley"); "Lilly Turner" is another movie about carnies, and Ruth Chatterton carries the starring role very well. Frank McHugh is the good-natured schlub who marries Ruth out of pity and she stays with him for the same reason. Unfortunately, the man who aims to rescue her from life as a carny, George Brent, is not only strong as an oak but has all the acting ability and charm of an oak tree as well. It's a well-done movie, but does have a surprisingly hackneyed finish for a pre-Code movie that leaves a taste of disappointment. With that being said, "Lilly Turner" is still worth buying and watching more than once.