Always Goodbye 1938

Margot Weston Barbara Stanwyck is left pregnant and devastated after her fiancé dies in a speeding crash on the way to their wedding. A compassionate former doctor, Jim Howard Herbert Marshall, steps in to support her during this traumatic time. When her son is born, Jim helps arrange a home for the baby with Phil Marshall Ian Hunter and his wife, and Margot makes a solemn vow that neither the Marshalls nor the child can ever know she is the mother.

Five years pass, and Margot, now a well‑paid buyer for couturier Harriet Martin Binnie Barnes, crosses paths with Jim again and the two gradually fall in love. On Harriet’s business trip to Europe, Margot is drawn to the charming and carefree Count Giovanni ‘Gino’ Corini Cesar Romero. While in Paris, she unexpectedly meets her son, Roddy Weston Marshall Johnny Russell, who is traveling with an aunt who has been caring for him since his adoptive mother’s death.

Returning to America, Margot and Roddy grow closer, and Giovanni continues to pursue her. Back home, Margot begins to suspect that Jessica Reid Lynn Bari, Phil’s fiancée, would not be a loving mother to Roddy, and she worries about the boy’s future. Jim, now pursuing a career in science, reminds her of the promise she made earlier not to interfere in Roddy’s life.

Margot’s looming decision coincides with the unraveling of Jessica and Phil’s engagement. Phil overhears a conversation between Margot and Jessica, which solidifies the end of their engagement. Amidst these tensions, Jim asks Margot to marry him, while Phil asks her to consider a marriage for the sake of Roddy. Though Margot confesses that she loves Jim, he steps aside so that she can have a life with Roddy and Phil, choosing to honor the bond she has with the boy and the man who has given her a chance at happiness.