Young Lili (Barbara Stanwyck) works as a barmaid in her father’s speakeasy. Everyone treats her horribly except a kindly older gentleman who tells her that she is better than all this. She has potential. She should screw her way to the top. Wait, what?
Of all the pre-code films, Baby Face just may be the pre-codiest. Cut to ribbons before release and again at each location it was exhibited, we are lucky to have a pre-censored version. Pretty but never gorgeous, Stanwyck showed that she can turn on the sex appeal when needed.
For those unfamiliar, there once was an agreed upon moral standard that Hollywood movies must adhere to. Formally, the Motion Picture Production Code, it mandated stuff like the bad guy must get caught (or die), the avoidance of overt sexuality or violent themes, and of topics like prostitution, abortion, or homosexuality. The so called “per-code era” is a span of four or so years after the studios agreed to this standard to when they actually started following it. During this time many films were released that directly flaunted these rules. While none of these movies could be described as explicit, they do raise eyebrows.
Another subversive aspect of Baby Face is that Lili has a black maid who is also her friend, played by the adorable Theresa Harris. Although a side-kick character, she didn't play the racial stereotype. She would be relegated to maid characters throughout her career. Someone who’s talent wouldn’t be wasted is a young John Wayne. He was already an established B western star and had a small role here as a stepping stone. Second billed George Brent didn’t appear until well past the halfway mark.
While not shocking by modern standards, Baby Face did have quite a few “Oh, crap!” moments. It is strongly implied that Lili was more than just a barmaid to her father’s customers, nudge nudge. Played as the story of a woman using her sexuality for her benefit rather than others, there will be a variety of opinions on this. I'm sure it provoked many viewers back in its day. Assuming they knew what was going on after all the edits. AMRU 4.
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