The Woman In Red (1935)

When a professional equestrienne (Barbara Stanwyck) marries a wealthy playboy (Gene Raymond), she finds herself confronted with a snobbish upper crust family who disapprove of the marriage. When circumstances beyond her control find her aboard a yacht when a chorus girl falls overboard and drowns under mysterious circumstances, she knows it's just the excuse her husband's family needs to renounce her. Based on the novel NORTH SHORE by Wallace Irwin and directed by Robert Florey (1932's MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE). There's nothing particularly special about the film, it's a routine melodrama that doesn't disgrace itself. But what is special is the great Barbara Stanwyck and it's almost remarkable what she can bring to a routine role as an actress. Watching her go through her paces, she treats the role as if it were something special instead of a typical programmer. While many other actresses would just walk through the part, she invests so much in in her character that you're with her all the way. With Genevieve Tobin (effective as a society bitch), John Eldredge, Ann Shoemaker, Arthur Treacher, Doris Lloyd and George Chandler.