She Had to Choose

She Had to Choose is a 1934 pre-Code American romantic crime drama film that stars an ensemble cast featuring Buster Crabbe, Isabel Jewell, and Sally Blane. Set during a time when Hollywood was bolder and less constrained by the strict moral guidelines that would later become the norm, this movie offers a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of love, consequence, and the human capacity to make difficult decisions.

The film revolves around the life of a young woman named Sally Bates, played by the talented Sally Blane. Sally is a fairly innocent and naive individual, having grown up in a rural town, she has big dreams that propel her to leave for the excitement and promise of the big city. Her journey is greeted with the realities of urban life and the complexities it brings, especially when it involves the matters of the heart.

Buster Crabbe, best known for his roles in action-packed serials and for playing the iconic characters Tarzan and Flash Gordon, shows his versatility in this film as Clinton, a good-hearted but taciturn lumberjack. His portrayal of Clinton reveals a man both strong in physique and tender in affection, providing Sally with a source of stability and comfort that she so desperately needs.

Sally's life takes a tumultuous turn with the entrance of Isabel Jewell's character, whom she meets after relocating to the city. Jewell, whose performances were often distinguished by her ability to convey both toughness and vulnerability, plays an entertainer with a sharp wit and a dubious moral compass. The dynamic between Sally and this new acquaintance is strained from the onset, as they both find themselves entangled in a world of bright lights and shadowy intentions.

At the heart of She Had to Choose lies a classic love triangle, a narrative device that allows for the exploration of heated emotions and societal mores. The third point of the triangle is introduced in the form of a wealthy socialite whose intentions are just as questionable as his charm is apparent. The disparity in social status and the ensuing conflict over affections lead to a series of events that strain the characters' relationships and loyalties to the breaking point.

The film effectively uses its limited scale to craft an intimate story that is at once personal and universal. It portrays the human condition and the often-painful decisions that must be made in pursuit of happiness or survival. The choices the characters must face are symbolic of broader themes, examining the often-high cost of ambition and the unpredictability of the heart.

Through its course, She Had to Choose also grapples with the themes of power, greed, and redemption, drawing a stark contrast between the bucolic honesty of Sally's roots and the seductive allure of a more decadent lifestyle. Whether it's through the grandeur of extravagant parties or the backhanded dealings of city life, the movie presents a fascinating dichotomy that is as relevant today as it was during its original release.

Director Ralph Ceder, who helmed the production, infuses the film with a certain gritty realism that was signature to the era. He ensures that while the narrative provides melodrama, the emotional beats resonate with a sense of truth and rawness. This aesthetic choice serves to heighten the tension and lends weight to the characters' struggles, creating a more immersive experience for the audience.

Through its run time, She Had to Choose is rife with drama, suspense, and moments of intense emotional conflict. As the plot unfolds, Sally is forced to confront her own values and desires against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal betrayals. Through her journey, the audience is invited to ponder the many facets of love and loyalty.

The cinematography, though limited by the technical standards of the era, does its part in service of the story, capturing both the claustrophobia of urban living and the expansive potential it promises. The use of light and shadows is particularly noteworthy, often used to reflect the internal turmoil faced by Sally and heighten the sense of foreboding that permeates the story.

Despite its age, She Had to Choose remains a compelling watch, chiefly because of its universal themes and the fundamentally human experience it portrays. The film's depth is emblematic of an era that dared to confront issues head-on without flinching or resorting to the safety of euphemism.

In essence, She Had to Choose serves as a time capsule, reflecting both the fears and aspirations of its time, yet managing to transcend its era to speak to audiences of any generation about the enduring complexities of choice, consequence, and human nature.