They Call It Sin is a pre-Code romantic drama about Marion Cullen, a small-town church organist who discovers she was adopted and has wealthy biological parents. She leaves her provincial life to seek a future in New York City, following the man she loves. There she faces the realities of ambition, temptation, and disillusionment, navigating love triangles, professional rivalries, and moral choices in a world far removed from her hometown innocence.
Genre: Romantic drama
Director: Thornton Freeland – Born in 1898, Thornton Freeland was an American film director who worked extensively during the late silent and early sound eras, known for his ability to handle light comedies, musicals, and romantic dramas with efficiency. He directed a number of films for major studios, including Flying Down to Rio, the movie that first paired Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Although not as celebrated as some of his contemporaries, Freeland was respected for delivering commercially appealing films with polished pacing and attractive production values.
Star cast
Loretta Young as Marion Cullen
George Brent as Jimmy Decker
David Manners as Dr. Tony Travers
Helen Vinson as Enid Hollister
Louis Calhern as Ford Humphries
Una Merkel as Dixie Dare
Upon its release, They Call It Sin drew praise for Loretta Young’s luminous performance and the film’s brisk, engaging storytelling. Critics noted its blend of romance and melodrama, typical of pre-Code Hollywood, and its willingness to touch on themes of ambition and moral compromise. The film performed well at the box office for its modest budget, helped by the popularity of its young stars.
Fun facts
They Call It Sin was based on a novel by Alberta Stedman Egan, which had been serialized in a magazine before its adaptation.
The film is an example of pre-Code Hollywood, containing romantic and moral elements that would soon be toned down after the enforcement of the Production Code in 1934.
Loretta Young was only 19 years old during filming but was already a seasoned actress, having appeared in motion pictures since her early teens.
Una Merkel provided comic relief, a role she frequently played in early 1930s films, adding a light counterpoint to the drama.
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