Vanity Street
Vanity Street

Movie spotlight

Vanity Street

1932
Movie
67 min
English

A New York policeman helps a hungry and penniless young woman start life anew by arranging to get her a job in "The Follies".

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Albert RayGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A young woman, discouraged by her limited prospects, takes a job as a hat-check girl in a ritzy New York nightclub. She dreams of a better life and falls for a wealthy patron, unaware of his true intentions and the predatory nature of the world she's entered. Her journey becomes a cautionary tale about ambition and the harsh realities faced by those seeking social mobility.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Vanity Street' received a mixed reception. Critics noted its melodramatic elements and attempts to portray the gritty realities of urban nightlife, with some praising the performances of its lead actors, particularly Helen Twelvetrees. However, others found the plot predictable and lacking in depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its exploration of a young woman's struggle in a glamorous but harsh environment.

  • Helen Twelvetrees's performance was highlighted as a strong point.

  • Criticized by some for its formulaic plot and overly sentimental tone.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not readily available for this early film.

Fun Fact

The film was produced by Paramount Pictures, a studio known for its prolific output of pre-Code films that often tackled more mature themes than later productions.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Charles Bickford was all too often stuck with supporting roles, but he’s got much more to do here in this gritty drama. He is police officer “Murphy” who encounters the vulnerable young “Jeanie” (Helen Chandler) who is homeless and helpless...