Movie spotlight
Reno
Felicia Brett is married to Alexander W. Brett, a bullying and unfaithful man who openly flaunts his affair with Rita. Pushed to her limit, Felicia travels to Reno, Nevada, to establish residency and file for divorce. While in Reno, Felicia encounters her old childhood flame, Dick Belden. Alexander, desperate to avoid a settlement and gain sole custody of their young son Bobby, follows Felicia to Reno. He attempts to manufacture evidence of adultery by trapping Felicia in a compromising situation with Dick. Alexander initially succeeds in using this falsified evidence to take custody of Bobby. However, the story reaches a melodramatic conclusion when Alexander is killed in a sudden avalanche. Because the divorce had not yet been finalized, Felicia becomes Alexander's widow rather than his ex-wife, which grants her both her son and the freedom to marry Dick.
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Plot Summary
In this melodramatic tale, a young woman named Carmen is caught in a love triangle and embroiled in a life of crime. She becomes involved with a notorious gangster, Jake, who controls the city's underworld. Carmen struggles to escape this dangerous life and find true love, but her past and the allure of wealth constantly pull her back into darkness.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Reno' received mixed reviews. While some critics praised its dramatic intensity and Lupe Velez's performance, others found the plot to be overly sensational and predictable. The film was noted for its depiction of the gritty realities of city life during the era, though its moral undertones were often debated.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its dramatic flair and Velez's energetic performance.
Criticized for a sensationalized and somewhat predictable storyline.
Noted for its early depiction of urban crime and moral ambiguity.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Reno' is largely unavailable due to its age. However, contemporary reviews suggest a split between those who appreciated the film's dramatic elements and those who found its sensationalism to be a drawback.
Fun Fact
The film was a vehicle for Lupe Velez, an actress known as the "Mexican Spitfire," who was a popular star in Hollywood during the silent and early sound eras.
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