Movie spotlight
Lilies of the Field
Mildred Harker loses custody of her child in a messy divorce settlement. Leaving her hometown in disgrace, Mildred heads to New York, where after a crash course in the school of hard knocks she joins the chorus of a Ziegfeld-like musical revue. Now a full-fledged gold-digger, she enjoys the favors of backstage johnnies and elderly sugar daddies, but finally finds true love in the form of Park Avenue socialite Ted Willing.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, Jenny Wetherby, lives a sheltered life, unaware of the harsh realities of the world. Her father, a wealthy industrialist, tries to protect her, but she becomes entangled with a charming but manipulative man. As she gradually uncovers the truth about his intentions and the complexities of adult relationships, she must confront her own naivete and make difficult choices about her future.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Lilies of the Field' received mixed reviews. Critics noted its melodrama and earnest performances but found the plot somewhat predictable. Audiences at the time were drawn to its themes of lost innocence and societal expectations.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its sincere exploration of a young woman's awakening.
Criticized for its overly dramatic and sometimes sentimental narrative.
Performances, particularly from the female lead, were considered a highlight.
Google audience: Audience reception for this early film is not well-documented through modern platforms like Google Reviews. However, contemporary reviews suggest it resonated with those interested in moral dramas and tales of coming-of-age.
Fun Fact
The film was based on a novel of the same name by Myron Brinig, which itself was a bestseller.
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