There was a good deal that attracted me into seeing 'A Woman in Her Thirties'. Aline MacMahon and Ann Dvorak were usually seen in scene stealing supporting roles, and it was interesting to see how MacMahon would do as the lead. The subject sounded interesting, like with quite a lot of pre-code films that take on quite daring for the time subjects. Alfred E. Green did a fair share of solid films and this was the sort of film he did well.
'A Woman in Her Thirties', known in some places too as 'Side Streets', falls short of being a great film and is less than perfect. There is however much to recommend it, it does well on the most part with its subject and it shows that MacMahon could work incredibly well in a lead role. It is also much better than the slightly simplistic title suggests. So 'A Woman in Her Thirties' is a pretty good film on the most part, although with a few big short-comings that stop it from living up to its full potential which is somewhat a shame.
Like a good deal of pre-code films at the time, 'A Woman in Her Thirties' can be pretty over-heated dramatically, the sentiment sometimes getting a bit much. Am also really not a fan of endings that jar mood wise with the rest of their respective films and come over as too pat, and that is the case here.
While a good job actually is mostly done with the story, there are contrivances here and there that happen too conveniently and a little on the silly side.
So much to like about 'A Woman in Her Thirties' though. The settings and costumes are sumptuous and the photography having a nice yet intimate style to it. The music avoids being over-bearing or saccharine while enough enough presence. Green directs at a lively enough pace so the story doesn't feel too pedestrian.
Much of the script is intelligently written and takes the subject seriously without being too heavy or over-serious. The story has content that few films would have dared to touch, let alone portray, back in those days. Really appreciated the daring subject and how the film handled it in a take no prisoners manner instead of trivialising. The characters on paper sound pretty unlikeable but the actors do a sterling job bringing enough to them that makes them investable just about. Dvorak is charming and Paul Kelly makes it easy to understand what his appeal is while also hating his character for the way he treats Bertha, he is a long way from being treated in a one-sided way. The acting honours though go to MacMahon, who is both dignified and moving and allows one to feel for Bertha.
Overall, not great but pretty good and worth seeing for primarily the performances. 7/10
