A riverboat journey brings John Wayne ("Reynolds") and Ona Munson ("Julie Mirabeau") together, bound for New Orleans. Upon their arrival, they encounter Helen Westley ("Blanche") and her father, Henry Stephenson ("Gen. Mirabeau"), which quickly reveals the situation: Lawyer Duke has been called in by Westley to look into the city's lottery operation managed by Stephenson. The General projects an image of a very proper society while simultaneously encouraging his community to purchase lottery tickets, one way or another. When he realizes that one of his associates is going too far, he dismisses him, which angers "Blackie" (Ray Midddleton). Soon after, young "Julie" becomes an orphan and decides to become more involved in her father’s “charitable” endeavors, also accusing "Reynolds" of being responsible for his passing. The story leans into melodrama at times, but it explores themes of extortion, bribery, and corruption on a large scale. While the conclusion feels rather obvious and uninspired, there are some impressive storm sequences that highlight how easily natural forces could destroy even the most solid safeguards put in place to protect people. Stephenson is as charming as ever—though perhaps his accent isn’t quite right—and Wayne and Munson have a pleasant rapport, but Helen Westley truly shines as the resolute older woman determined to restore order to her town.

Source on TMDB