Rather affecting little morality flick adapted from the classic novel of same name. Wow, Becky Sharp is one sharp looking cookie. As Becky, Loy turns every rich guys head into a hormonal surge. Trouble is she's got no moral principles that might guide her into something other than a mercenary direction. As a result, she looks to fleece potential suitors just for her own benefit. Still, she's having trouble sorting through the wealthy pursuers, who are a crowded lot. At the same time, her mis-judgements and maybe cosmic fate keep getting in the way.
Loy's perfect in her first starring role, big eyed, statuesque, and nicely modulated in her coyness. In fact, it cleverly takes a while to figure out she really is a gold-digger and not just an attention-getter. Then too, I love the way she never answers a bedroom door except in her robe-less nightgown. No wonder the guys keep coming. But Loy's real performance triumph is not making Becky dislikable despite her unremitting selfishness. To me, that helps make the movie watchable. But don't look to the storyline for action or real suspense. Rather, the plot hinges on character and what the goldigger's outcome will be. Then too, I found the climax rather surprising, but then it is 1932 while censorship is still two-years away.
Anyway, for fans of Loy, it's a showcase, while for movie fans, the 60-minutes is surprisingly contemporary in its dealings.
