Baby Face

Alfred Green’s gritty tale of post-Depression amorality tells the story of Lily Powers, a prostitute who leaves rural Pennsylvania for the bright lights of Manhattan after the death of her abusive father. Climbing the ladder of society the best way she knows how – sleeping her way through a string of wealthy men – Lily’s actions eventually bring about her downfall. Re-cut after being rejected by the New York State Censorship Board, Green’s film is racy and gritty and includes a star turn by Stanwyck whose portrayal of a strong female with no inhibitions became the template for countless female roles in Hollywood.