this be one of the most daring and important of the so called pre code film make in hollywood during the 1930s . unlike some pre code film that occasionally dabble in subject that would have never be allow after 1934 5 and this film fully immerse itself in a very sordid yet entertain plot from start to finish . the conventional morality of the late 30 and 40 be definitely not evident in this film and a the film be essentially about a connive woman who sleep her way to the top and with no apology along the way . this broad both enjoyed sex and use it on every man who could help her get rich something you just never would have see in film make just two or three year later . the film begin with barbara stanwyck work in her father speakeasy . in addition to be her bos and he be also her pimp and encourage her to sleep with a local government official so that he will allow the illegal bar to operate with impunity . while not especially clear here and it appear a if daddy have be rent his daughter body out for a long time . however and after nearly be rap and attack this man by break a bottle of beer over his skull and barbara have have enough and head to the big city . it doesn not hurt that the still blow up and kill her father and but her feeling that she be whore herself out and have nothing to show for it appear to be the impetus to move . despite the depression and barbara us sex to get a job at a huge mega bank . she start out at a pretty menial job a a file clerk and but in the space of what seem like just a few week and she sleep her way from one job to another to yet another until she be sleep with the head of the bank and his future son in law . this all end in tragedy and but babs doesn not seem too shake up over the death of these two men . in fact and some time later and she be able to insinuate herself into the life of the new ceo and once again she on top ( perhaps in more way than one ) . now so far and this be a wonderful movie because it be so gritty and unrepentant . barbara play a 100 % sociopath a woman with no morality and no conscience just a desire to squeeze as much out of life a she could no matter who she hurt in the process . however and the brave writer and producer chickened out and think it important to tack on a redemptive end . consider that this woman be so evil and conniving and her change of heart at the end be a major disappointment and strongly detract from the film . in many way and this remind me of the end of jezebel a once again and a wicked person somehow see the light and change at the not too convincing conclusion . my advice be to try watch red head woman and downstairs . red headed woman be much like baby face but feature no magical transformation at the end the lead lady really be a skunk down deep . in downstairs and a film very much like red head woman and the role be reverse and a man ( john gilbert ) play a similar conniving character . both be classic and a bit well than this film . this film be an amazing curio of a brief period of often ultra sleazy hollywood film and in this light it well worth see for cinephiles . also and fan of the duke take note john wayne play a very small part in the film and it very unusual to see a very young wayne play such a conventional role .