Behind that generic title, a fast-paced turn-of-the-last-century historical whopper, plush romantic melodrama for newly engaged Hollywoodites Barbara Stanwyck & Robert Taylor entangled with a menacing gang of slick bank robbers. (All the publicity around the glam couple no help to the pic's long term rep.) Stanwyck, the gang’s performing pet, doing vaudeville turns at the classy club they use for cover; Taylor, working on the QT for President William McKinley, trying to infiltrate after regular legal channels fail. Brian Donlevy (brains of the troop/half brother to Stanwyck) buys Taylor’s criminal act while slow-witted front man and incorrigible practical joker Victor McLaglen sees Taylor only as rival for Babs’ affections. The script comes in with missing pieces, too much simply falls into Taylor’s lap, but a great third act twist (the only historically accurate thing in here!) makes up for a lot. Fun to see normally soft-spoken Sidney Blackmer as noisy, excitable V.P. Teddy Roosevelt, a standout among all 'round good support. Plus better than usual period detail, especially in some ripely staged musical numbers. (Stanwyck’s alto wouldn’t have gone past the front tables, but a specialty number by Tyler Brooke is a delight, loaded with legit period trimmings.) Journeyman director William Seiter doesn’t do much particularly wrong, but with a little more care & imagination, this one might have soared.
ATENTION MUST BE PAID: In a jail cell toward the end, Taylor shows a vulnerability rare in his work. He should have worked with his wife more often.
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