Always Goodbye (1938)

The emotion Barbara brought to this role was just stunning. I can feel everything she is feeling by her subtle yet brilliant facial expressions. This was one of her early films and it is apparent that by the late 1930s, she was already a master actor. No overacting is present in this unknown little gem. Also, Herbert Marshall is delightfully British, as he usually is. Highly recommended for those who are interested in a very compelling drama. I am very surprised that this film is virtually unknown today, since the subject matter will be relevant no matter what time period we are in. Hopefully, now that this is available from some kind of "archive-type" studio DVD, it will become more well-known.

Barbara Stanwyck gives an admirable charming performance as a young woman who survives a personal and emotional tragedy, and triumphs in the end. This film could have been very heavy melodrama, but the story is uplifted with some well placed comedy played exuberantly by Cesar Romero. Herbert Marshall is outstanding in his portrayal of the kind and sympathetic friend who helps Stanwyck's character to overcome and flourish. Most delightful is child actor Johnny Russell, who plays Roddy, the little boy Stanwyck had to give up at birth. The playfulness between Stanwyck and Russell is very sweet, genuine and adorable to watch. Binnie Barnes, Lynn Bari and Ian Hunter all play their roles adequately. Barbara Stanwyck is very beautiful and as always manages to shine through this routine melodrama, with its twists and turns, it is her performance which produces a most touching story. A full synopsis of this film would spoil it for the reader, and although the story may feel a little dated now, it is still a must see for all die-hard Barbara Stanwyck fans, and is also an excellent example for those who love films from the 1930s.

You're about to marry the man you love, but suddenly he's dead after a tragic accident. Now you find you're pregnant. Keep the baby? Give it up for adoption? Oh, I forgot to mention it's 1938, when illegitimacy was a total scandal and could ruin a young girl's life. And when you're Barbara Stanwyck, you can do one of several things. If you're Stella Dallas, you raise the child the best you know how and give it all the love in the world. But if you're Martha Ivers, Thelma Jordan or "Double Indemnity's" Phyllis Diedrickson, you scheme to get what you want, no matter what. This isn't the jingling jeweled Stella or any of those ruthless film noir broads; This is Margot Weston, an unlucky lady who manages to become a popular fashion designer, and when she finds her child aboard an ocean liner, she innocently schemes all she can to spend as much time as she can before the ship reaches New York.Once in New York, Margot meets her child's adoptive father (Ian Hunter) who is engaged to a rather selfish socialite (Lynn Bari) who has about as much interest in raising children as Hitler had in Democracy. Margot is a lovely lady with two suitors-a Latin lover (Cesar Romeo in a very feisty performance) and a good doctor (Herbert Marshall). So now she has another dilemma-accepting one of their marriage proposals or doing all she can to get Hunter to propose so she can be with her son for good. She knows that Bari will not be a loving mother, so letting her raise the young boy (an adorable Johnny Russell) is out of the question.A remake of 1934's "Gallant Lady", this version of an otherwise maudlin story is actually quite lively and a bit more comic than its original. That version starred sob queen Ann Harding, but there is a ton of difference between her and Stanwyck, so this late 30's version lacks the tear-jerking element of the original. That's OK, because the result is a very entertaining mother love drama that has soap opera elements but not the pathos. Stanwyck gives a superb performance as a woman who won't cry today or tomorrow over yesterdays, instilling her with a likability that burns a hole through the movie screen. Hunter and Marshall were practically interchangeable as actors, so to see them in the same film together is a bit daunting as far as remembering who is who. The comedy between Stanwyck, Romero and Russell on the boat (as the little boy becomes Romero's rival for Stanwyck's attention) is lighthearted and fun. The result is a film with a better screenplay than normal for films of this nature and a delightful discovery.

It's a touching tale that begins with a tragedy and the harsh realities of life in which Margo, played by Barbara Stanwyck, has to give up her child. Life goes on and she finds fulfilment in a career and a new love but there are some unexpected twists and turns ahead for her.I'm so pleased to discover this movie; didn't know about it until today and it's a real treat to follow the careers of these stars. Ian Hunter was just out of his King Richard role in "The Adventures of Robin Hood," and shortly to make "The Sisters" and "The Little Princess." For a change he's been given a more prominent part to play here, which is nice as I considered him quite a good actor not given enough opportunities to 'shine' in dramatic roles.One sees a younger Herbert Marshall before several great roles in the years ahead, always with that fine sounding, quality voice so memorable in many films, particularly in "The Razor's Edge." A very young Cesar Romero is amusing as the Count (not sure if he really is one though) and never hesitates to charm any woman within two feet of him! It keeps him rather busy, flitting from flower to flower, but such are his ways. He also has a chance to demonstrate his beautiful dancing skills as he was a professional early on in his career. Ms Stanwyck never seems to change much over the years in her beauty and acting talent.This is a very human drama that time does not alter. I'd like to buy the video one day if ever it's available.