No Marriage Ties Reviews

Dix is an alcoholic newspaperman who is fired after being too soused to cover the Dempsey-Tunney fight. He ends up in a bar, where he meets an advertising executive looking for some fresh ideas. The ad exec takes a liking to Dix, and they form a partnership. Dix proves to be a ruthless businessman engaging in unethical practices. But when his fiancee (Kenyon) commits suicide, Dix's life crumbles. He drinks even more than previously and soon finds himself in danger of exposure for his ruthless tactics. An old girl friend (Allan on loan to RKO from MGM) lifts up her old flame from his degradation and helps him start life anew. There are elements of strong drama within the plot structure. Unfortunately the film is marred by overwriting--no fewer than five men worked on the story and screenplay. Dix gives a lively performance, but isn't quite believable as either newspaperman or ad executive. Eventually the film winds down into standard melodrama that is neither terrible nor exciting.