Lilly Turner (1933)

A carnival magician deserts his wife when he finds out she's pregnant. She then marries the carnival's barker, but finds herself attracted to a young engineer.

Director:

William A. Wellman

Writers:

Gene Markey (screenplay), Kathryn Scola (screenplay),

Stars:

Ruth Chatterton, George Brent, Frank McHugh

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Ruth Chatterton	...	Lilly 'Queenie' Turner Dixon
George Brent	...	Bob Chandler
Frank McHugh	...	David 'Dave' Dixon
Guy Kibbee	...	Doc Peter McGill
Robert Barrat	...	Fritz 'Heinie'
Ruth Donnelly	...	Edna Yokum
Marjorie Gateson	...	Mrs. Bessie 'Ma' McGill
Gordon Westcott	...	Rex Durkee
Arthur Vinton	...	Sam Waxman
Grant Mitchell	...	Dr. Hawley
Margaret Seddon	...	Mrs. Turner
Mae Busch	...	Hazel
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Walter Brennan	...	(scenes deleted)
Hobart Cavanaugh	...	Earle (scenes deleted)
Ethel Wales	...	Mrs. Flint (scenes deleted)

Storyline

A carnival magician deserts his wife when he finds out she's pregnant. She then marries the carnival's barker, but finds herself attracted to a young engineer.

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Plot Keywords:

carnival | engineer | magician | marriage of convenience | stillborn child | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 May 1933 (USA)

Also Known As:

Os Amores de Lily

Company Credits

Production Co:

First National Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

65 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original Brpadway production opened at the Morasco Theater in New York on 19 September 1932 and ran for 24 performances.

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Soundtracks

"Am I Blue?"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Akst
Whistled by the deliveryman at the beginning

User Reviews

Ruth Chatterton's Life Is a Carnival

Ruth Chatterton (as Lilly Turner) impulsively marries handsome actor Gordon Westcott (as Rex Durkee). Soon, Ms. Chatterton learns Mr. Westcott is a two-timer, who can't keep a job. Additionally, Westcott beats up Chatterton's pal Frank McHugh (as Dave Dixon), who shows a fondness for alcohol. When Westcott's previous wife makes a surprise appearance, Chatterton learns he is a bigamist; but, Westcott has taken off for parts unknown. Chatterton, left pregnant, accepts Mr. McHugh's marriage proposal; and, the two try to make ends meet as carnival workers. Then, Chatterton falls for down-on-his-luck engineer George Brent (as Bob Chandler), who soon replaces carnival strongman Robert Barrat (as Fritz). Mr. Barrat has gone insane with love for Chatterton; and, she is torn between her love for Mr. Brent and her loyalty for McHugh…

Less than spectacular, but competent, star vehicle for superstar Chatterton, ably directed by William A. Wellman. During this film, Brent and Chatterton were real-life husband and wife. Brent co-starred with the most popular actresses of the time; though, he oftentimes comes across as rather ordinary, but is most appealing opposite Chatterton. McHugh gives an excellent supporting performance as Chatterton's alcoholic friend. Guy Kibbee and Marjorie Gateson are also highly watchable, as the amorous McGills.

****** Lilly Turner (5/13/33) William A. Wellman ~ Ruth Chatterton, George Brent, Frank McHugh, Guy Kibbee