Virtuoso pianist Julia Wilkens is engaged to marry Stanley, a wealthy gentleman, but a fateful turn of events brings about a chance encounter with young workingman John Russell, with whom she is instantly smitten. She is confident about choosing true love over financial security, yet when she discovers that John can barely support himself, she is forced to view Stanley in a whole new light.
Marian Marsh's first significant role was as Trilby O'Farrell in Svengali (1931), which starred John Barrymore. She went on to appear in numerous melodramas of the period, including Beauty and the Boss (1932); her most notable screen role was as Sonya in Josef von Sternberg's Crime and Punishment (1935). Richard Thorpe helmed a slew of B-grade films before signing a contract with MGM. He directed nearly 200 movies including Ivanhoe (1952) and Jailhouse Rock (1957).