A young woman named Ruth goes to New York seeking fame and fortune, but instead finds herself entangled in the city's nightlife. She becomes involved with a wealthy producer who promises her a career, but she struggles with the moral compromises required. The film explores themes of ambition, temptation, and the harsh realities faced by aspiring artists in the early 20th century.

Upon its release, 'Playing Around' received mixed reviews. While some critics praised its attempt to tackle contemporary social issues and the performances of its lead actors, others found its plot predictable and its moralizing heavy-handed. The film is often seen as a product of its time, reflecting the anxieties and changing social norms of the late 1920s and early 1930s.

• Praised for its depiction of a young woman's struggles in a big city.
• Criticized for a somewhat predictable narrative and heavy-handed moralizing.
• Offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by aspiring performers during the era.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Playing Around' is largely unavailable due to its age and limited distribution. Early critical responses suggest it was viewed as a moderately engaging, albeit conventional, drama with some thematic depth.

Milton Sills, one of the film's stars, died of a heart attack shortly after filming was completed, making this one of his final screen appearances.