Her Unborn Child
Her Unborn Child

Movie spotlight

Her Unborn Child

1930
Movie
84 min
English

'While youthful, innocent love blossoms between bashful Stew Kennedy and Elizabeth Gilbert, Dorothy Kennedy falls in love with Jack Conover, completely under the domination of his "aunt," who later proves to be his mother. Though he loves Dorothy, Jack resists making a marriage proposal because he thinks he is illegitimate. Meanwhile, Dorothy becomes pregnant, and efforts to inveigle her into an abortion are thwarted by Dr. Remington, the family doctor, who notifies her mother of her condition. When Jack discovers his true parentage, he offers to marry Dorothy; and ultimately she accepts.' (AFI)

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Albert RayGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A young woman, driven by a desire for revenge against the man who ruined her reputation, becomes entangled in a complex web of deceit and desire. She finds herself in a precarious situation when she becomes pregnant, leading to difficult choices about her future and the child's.

Critical Reception

Released during a transitional period in Hollywood with the advent of sound, 'Her Unborn Child' was a moderate success, appealing to audiences with its melodramatic themes and star power. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising Clara Bow's performance while others found the narrative overly sensationalized and morally ambiguous for the time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Clara Bow delivers a compelling performance as a woman facing societal judgment.

  • The film tackles controversial themes of unwed motherhood and revenge with dramatic flair.

  • While melodramatic, the story offers a glimpse into the struggles of women in the early 20th century.

Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this early sound film. However, contemporary reviews suggest it was viewed as a dramatic and somewhat controversial piece that resonated with audiences interested in its romantic and emotional plotlines.

Fun Fact

This film was one of Clara Bow's last major roles before her retirement from Hollywood, marking a poignant moment in her career as the 'It Girl' transitioned away from the spotlight.

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