A varied group of immigrants head for the USA aboard S.S. Mauronia, including Russians Sascha, Mischa, Toscha, and Olga. Sascha has fallen for Scots lassie Heather; Olga is courted by Chris Jansen, valet of first class passenger Larry Beaumont. Heather catches Larry’s eye, to the discomfiture of Larry’s other flame Diana. On arrival, Heather has immigration trouble, and a variety of complications ensue…
Director: David Butler.
Writers: Guy Bolton (story), Guy Bolton & Sonya Levien (adaptation).
Stars: Janet Gaynor, Charles Farrell, El Brendel, Raul Roulien, Lawrence O’Sullivan, Manya Roberti, Virginia Cherrill, Mischa Auer, Olive Tell, Marvine Maazel.
Cinematographer: Ernest Palmer.
Composer: George Gershwin.
as torn from today’s headlines–a musical about illegal immigration!
Janet Gaynor was a late discovery for me but I am now one of her devoted followers. This film is perhaps not the best vehicle for her -the superb silent movies with Farrell are probably the best way to appreciate her many talents. In her talkie period, I think Sunnyside is a better film with better songs. In this film “Blah,blah,blah love” is the standout for me with its delicious sendup of romantic song cliches. The film itself is a bit like Sunnyside with its love across the class divide theme. El Brendel an acquired taste if there ever was one, hams it up, Mischa Auer is practically invisible, and Virginia Cherrill is a jealous rival It is in the end a film to see for the wonderful Janet Gaynor.