City Girl

In this tearful crime melodrama, a waitress becomes so taken with her dream of living in posh luxury and comfort that she leaves her honest boyfriend, who has just been promoted to assistant district attorney, to take up with a notorious gangster who lavishes her with stolen furs and fabulous diamonds. Unfortunately, the luxury and comfort come with a life of crime and soon she is wanted for murder and jail-breaking.

Directed by Alfred L. Werker, City Girl leans on a strong ensemble — Phyllis Brooks, Ricardo Cortez, Robert Wilcox — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1938.