The Yellow Ticket

Another gem I have never heard of. I am also unfamiliar with the talents of Elissa Landi. I am glad to have become acquainted with both!

Landi plays a Jewish woman living in oppressed Russia in 1913. She wants to travel to be with her father who is dying in a prison. But all Jews are being watched and aren't allowed passports to travel. Landi finds out that there is a thing called a "yellow ticket" that is given to prostitutes in order for them to travel freely. So she registers as one, not thinking about any consequences this may have. She gets to the prison too late. Her father has died.

But now that she is "registered" as a prostitute, she can't find work. Her family is informed and they shun her. She can't stay and live where she is, and she can't go home.

Even though she remains "a good girl", all the officers and cads know she has a yellow ticket and assume what she is and expect her to "put out". Barrymore plays a sleazy Czar who makes her life miserable. Finally, Olivier comes along and tries to save her. He is a reporter from London looking for stories on the "real" Russia. She provides lots of information and they end up falling for each other.

Barrymore, however, is out to get her. He wants the bad but true stories in the world's papers about Russia to stop and he knows Landi is behind what Olivier is writing and publishing. He captures Landi and gives her a choice of ending the relationship and her aid to Olivier or be responsible for Olivier's death or give her self over to Barrymore for one disgusting night.

Landi does a great job as the victim being used and torn by society, politics, and the morals of the period. Great job and a very entertaining film.

Be classy and check it out!