The Purchase Price

The Purchase Price is a captivating pre-Code melodrama that hit the screens in 1932, giving the genre, noted for its romantic matinee idols, mobster thrillers, and social corruption accusations, a fresh face. Starring Barbara Stanwyck, George Brent, and Lyle Talbot, this engaging narrative is set in the urban landscape of New York City and rural expanses of North Dakota, providing viewers with an enticing blend of romantic intrigue, captivating suspense, and a hearty dash of humor.

The story begins with Barbara Stanwyck playing Joan Gordon, a sultry nightclub singer in New York City, involved with a racketeer, Eddie (Lyle Talbot). Classic complications arise when Joan attempts to break free from the crime-fueled lifestyle and Eddie's possessiveness. Her efforts to sever ties soon involve her in a series of complicated situations, leading to unexpected decisions reshaping her life.

As Joan escapes this dangerous environment, she finds herself embroiled in a plot that necessitates her to adopt the persona of her friend's mail-order bride. George Brent plays the role of Jim Gilson, the hard-working, earnest North Dakota farmer unaware of Joan's past who eagerly awaits his spouse from big city lights. Unfolding events introduce Joan to a life she never imagined as she struggles to adapt to the rough and rugged North Dakota lifestyle and the equally rough and rugged farmer she now calls husband.

While the film might seem like a simple tale of love and deceit, it's infinitely more engaging due to director William Wellman's deft handling of the material. The narrative pacing is well-balanced, intertwining with intrigue and charm, as Wellman masterfully explores the themes of deception, personal transformation, redemption, and the unexpected complications of love.

Stanwyck demonstrates her significant acting prowess in this piece, transitioning seamlessly from the seductive chanteuse, caught in a criminal underbelly, to a woman seeking refuge and a fresh start. Her ability to embody various aspects of her character with authenticity adds depth to Joan, making her a strong, sympathetic, compelling lead character.

George Brent, playing Jim, complements Stanwyck's performance with his genuine portrayal of a man, earnest in his pursuit of a peaceful married life, blindsided by the truth about his wife's past. Brent seamlessly transitions from an optimistic romantic to a man hurt and disillusioned, creating a sympathetic character trapped in the whirlwind of love, deception, and hope.

Lyle Talbot embodies the typical mobster role well, bringing out Eddie's menacing personality that kickstarts Joan's journey into unknown territory. His domineering presence whenever he appears on screen serves as a striking contrast to the life led by Joan and Jim, shaping the narrative's suspenseful edge.

The Purchase Price is also a testament to the brilliance of early-era cinematography, its stark depiction of hard, rural life juxtaposed beautifully against the bustling cityscape of New York City. The well-shot sequences and impressive detailing bring this pre-Code film to life, capturing the 1930s era with a marked authenticity.

Further amplifying the film’s impact is the sharp, witty, and at times poignant dialogue that sparkles through the narrative, keeping viewers engaged throughout. It sketches the characters not only through their circumstances but also through their distinctive voices that infuse charm and life into them.

In conclusion, The Purchase Price is a notable gem from the 1930s, enveloping viewers into a world of challenging relationships, personal transformations, and undying hope. Its powerfully gripping plot, remarkable performances, and sensitive storytelling elevate it beyond a simple melodrama into a nuanced exploration of human nature, love, and adaptability. For fans of Barbara Stanwyck, it provides a fantastic showcase of her early work, and for those new to the era, it's an engaging avenue to appreciate the charm of pre-Code cinema.