Joan Crawford had a knack for playing characters with drive and determination, and she delivers that here once again. After experiencing misfortune while struggling financially with her husband and young son, she ("Ethel/Lorna") decides to forge a new path. She begins by selling cigars in a hotel, but quickly finds that her looks open doors to connections with affluent individuals. Her encounter with "Marty" (Kent Smith), an unassuming accountant whom she introduces to her friend "Grady" (Hugh Sanders), leads him to gain recognition, and she’s pleased to benefit from his rising status. They soon become entangled in a large-scale illegal gambling operation run by her latest romantic interest, "George" (David Brian). When he grows wary of one of his associates, "Nick" (Steve Cochran), she is sent to manipulate him – though that doesn't unfold as expected. It’s easy to feel sympathy for "Marty," who is captivated by Crawford but overlooked in her pursuit of wealth and power, consistently drawn to the wrong type of men. The conclusion feels somewhat hurried, yet the majority of the film moves deliberately to showcase this woman's skill at manipulating men. The rhythm is well-managed; the male actors’ portrayals might be a little predictable – nevertheless, it provides an excellent chance for the leading lady to truly shine.

Source on TMDB