Lionel Barrymore delivers a strong performance as the lawyer "Ashe," who is both skilled and prone to drinking, and he successfully defends the young “Ace” (Clark Gable) against a murder charge—a situation arising from a hat! Following their victory, Ace meets the spirited "Jan" (Norma Shearer), leading to a romance that unsettles Ashe. To resolve this, they agree on a condition: Ashe will abstain from alcohol, and Jan will end her relationship with Ace. They retreat to a rural location for three months, adhering to their agreement; however, Ashe’s willpower falters upon returning to civilization, prompting Jan to return to Ace's forceful embrace and his demand for marriage. However, Ace isn't the only one vying for Jan's future—"Winthrop" (Leslie Howard), a longtime family friend, also seeks her hand. Witnessing her distress, he intervenes directly, and it appears that Ashe’s struggles with alcohol may be the sole barrier between Winthrop and serious consequences. Gable possessed undeniable charisma, but as an actor, I've always perceived him to be somewhat stiff; this early role highlights his rather restrained acting style. Howard has limited screen time, and his performance also feels theatrical and exaggerated. Fortunately, Shearer and Barrymore share a delightful rapport—though the constant use of "darling" felt excessive at times. The story concludes in a cyclical manner, returning to where it began, which ultimately seems appropriate. Being a pre-code film is quite apparent in Norma Shearer’s attire. While not scandalous by later standards, some of her dresses fit closely in a way that wouldn't have been acceptable just five years prior. Overall, the movie is enjoyable and proceeds at a good pace; I found it to be a pleasant viewing experience.

Source on TMDB