In 1932, Farrell starred in the hit Broadway play "Life Begins", an episodic drama set entirely in the maternity ward in a hospital. Farrell received rave review and notices for her performance as Florette Darien, the professionally sullen chorus girl. Farrell was asked to recreate the role in Warner Bros.' film adaptation of "Life Begins" later that year. She was also given a seven years contract with the Warner Bros. film studio. Farrell did not return to the stage until 1939.