Virtue, from 1932, is a pre-code drama starring Carole Lombard and Pat O'Brien. The lovely Miss Lombard portrays Mae, a young woman arrested for prostitution as the film begins. After being told to high-tail it back to her hometown, she is released. Before long, she meets cab driver Jimmy Doyle, and after a bad first impression, the two are soon smitten with each other. Without telling Jimmy about her past, Mae marries him and seeks to live an honorable life.
As always, though, secrets can't be hidden forever, and in short order, Jimmy discovers the truth about Mae. He is extremely upset and even contemplates walking out on her; however, since he loves her, he gives her another chance. Deep down, though, he never forgives her, nor does he really trust her, so when circumstances indicate that Mae has reverted back to her old life (even though that is not the case), Jimmy believes the worst and walks out.
Will Mae and Jimmy get back together? Will Jimmy ever fully forgive Mae? Does he ever begin to trust her? These are the questions that will play out in this film.
Although Virtue isn't a spectacular movie and the acting isn't the best, I do think it's an interesting and entertaining film. I'm not sure if it's out on DVD, but TCM airs it periodically, so you could catch it there.
Happy viewing!!
