Watch Virtue

Virtue is a dramatic romance film released in 1932, directed by Edward Buzzell and starring Carole Lombard, Pat O'Brien, and Mayo Methot. It tells the story of a struggling and impoverished woman named Mae, played by Lombard, who works as a prostitute in New York City. Mae's life is one of hardship and disappointment, but she remains optimistic and resilient, determined to make something of herself despite her circumstances.

At the beginning of the film, Mae is arrested for solicitation and thrown in jail. While in jail, she meets Father Joe, played by O'Brien, a Catholic priest who takes an interest in her and tries to help her turn her life around. Mae is initially cynical of Father Joe's intentions, thinking that he is just like all the other men she has encountered in her difficult life.

However, Father Joe genuinely wants to help Mae, and he finds her a job as a maid in the home of a wealthy family. Mae works hard and impresses her employers, who eventually take her under their wing and treat her like family. Mae finds herself falling for the family's eldest son, Jerry, played by Norman Foster, but she is torn between her love for him and her fear of returning to her old life.

Mae's past comes back to haunt her when her former pimp, Fanny, played by Methot, shows up and threatens to expose her past to the family. Mae is forced to confront her past and decide whether to tell Jerry the truth or to run away and give up her chance at a better life.

Virtue is a poignant and moving film that explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of love to transform lives. Lombard gives a remarkable performance as Mae, capturing both her strength and vulnerability with grace and nuance. O'Brien is equally impressive as Father Joe, imbuing the character with a sense of compassion and wisdom that makes him a very believable and empathetic character.

The film is also notable for its unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of life for women in Depression-era America. The film takes an honest and compassionate look at the lives of women trapped in poverty and forced to resort to prostitution to survive. It also sheds light on the importance of social services and community outreach in helping these women to break the cycle of poverty and abuse.

Overall, Virtue is a powerful and moving film that still resonates with audiences today. Its themes of love, redemption, and the struggle for a better life are universal and timeless, and the performances of the cast remain as fresh and compelling as they were nearly a century ago.