Lady from Louisiana
Lady from Louisiana

Movie spotlight

Lady from Louisiana

1941
Movie
82 min
English

Northern lawyer John Reynolds travels to New Orleans to try and clean up the local crime syndicate based around a lottery. Although he meets Julie Mirbeau and they are attracted to each other, the fact that her father heads the lottery means they end up on opposite sides. When her father is killed, Julie becomes more and more involved in the shady activities and in blocking Reynolds' attempts at prosecution.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Director: Bernard VorhausGenres: Drama, Romance, Western

Plot Summary

In 1927 Louisiana, a beautiful saloon singer, 'Singing' Mae Dubois, falls for ambitious oilman Duke Yancey. Their romance is complicated by the legal and financial struggles of Mae's brother, a gambler in trouble with the law. Duke tries to help Mae navigate these challenges, facing down corrupt officials and rival businessmen who seek to exploit the situation for their own gain.

Critical Reception

Lady from Louisiana was met with a mixed reception from critics. While some praised Marlene Dietrich's performance and the film's attempt at a more mature melodrama, others found the plot to be convoluted and predictable. Audiences were generally indifferent, with the film failing to make a significant commercial impact.

What Reviewers Say

  • Marlene Dietrich delivers a performance that elevates the material, though the story itself is somewhat uneven.

  • The film attempts a dramatic tone that doesn't always succeed, with plot points feeling forced.

  • John Wayne's presence adds star power, but his role is secondary to Dietrich's.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available suggest a lukewarm reception, with some appreciating the star power and dramatic elements while others found the plot lacking.

Fun Fact

Marlene Dietrich's character was originally intended to be a more traditional Southern belle, but her persona and style led to a significant reinvention of the role to better suit her star image.

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CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

John Wayne ("Reynolds") meets a lady - Ona Munson ("Julie Mirabeau") on a Mississippi river boat heading for New Orleans. When they are met on arrival by the feisty Helen Westley ("Blanche") and the girl's esteemed father Henry Stephenson (...