Forbidden
On a cruise to Cuba, Lulu Smith falls in love with Bob Grover. Back home, she breaks off the romance when he tells her he is married. Lulu has a baby but doesn't tell Bob, who turns out to be a rising politician. She passes herself off as the baby's nanny. When Bob learns what is going on, he adopts the little girl, not telling his wife or anyone else where she came from. Lulu gets a job at a newspaper. Things get complicated when the editor gets the dirt on Bob, but also wants to marry Lulu.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young American woman, Lulu Smith, travels to Havana, Cuba, seeking a new life and escaping a past heartbreak. There, she meets and falls for Bob, a handsome and charming lawyer, and they quickly decide to marry. However, Lulu has a secret: she is already married to a wealthy, older man, a fact she desperately tries to keep from Bob.
Critical Reception
Forbidden was met with a generally positive reception from critics, with particular praise directed at Barbara Stanwyck's performance and Frank Borzage's direction. While its melodrama was acknowledged, the film's emotional depth and romantic themes resonated with audiences of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Barbara Stanwyck delivers a compelling performance as a woman caught between love and deceit.
- Director Frank Borzage excels at creating a deeply emotional and romantic narrative.
- The film's dramatic twists and turns keep audiences engaged.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's powerful romantic storyline and Stanwyck's captivating lead role. Many viewers appreciated the emotional intensity and the classic Hollywood melodrama.
Fun Fact
Barbara Stanwyck was only 25 years old when she played the role of Lulu Smith, a woman who is already married to a wealthy older man, a character significantly older than her real-life age.
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