MOVIEGOER

No questions about it, a woman whose husband's death leaves her with the double problem of her sons and her sexiness is in quite a spot. Even if the latter brings on George Brent and the former are the sort who can jitterbug at the age of ten, the maternal instinct makes the conflict near to insoluble. In fact, if it weren't for the ingenuity of the script writer, Barbara Stanwyck might have lost her boys, her reputation, and her mind, as well as her heart.

Through a series of events involving a break with her mother (who would have her dress forever in black), a repulsed advance from a friend, a trip to California and a broken pair of skis, she meets the shaggy but debonair Brent. Although he isn't the "marrying type," Miss Stanwyck gets so enthused that this doesn't phase her at all. But when her friends start talking and the jitterbugging boys get score because Mom has forgotten Pop so soon, she decides she can't go off with Brent. Brent saves the day by becoming the marrying type after all.

Handled with honesty and insight, the problem of a young widow with children could make an effective movie. "My Reputation's" skillful avoidance of these virtues is particularly unfortunate in view of some stunning camera effects and Miss Stanwyck's zestful performance.