Contemporary reviews from critics were generally positive, both for the film and Harlow's new "natural" look, as she darkened her hair to what the press dubbed "brownette" before the film went into production.
Frank S. Nugent of
The New York Times praised the moments of "robust comedy" but lamented the serious scenes in which a "boisterous jest skids down the slopes of melodramatic routine."
Variety published a positive review praising the "excellent cast" and dialogue that was "vigorous and well-written."
Film Daily was also positive, calling the film a "lusty picture, full of action and comedy" with "fine performances" by Harlow and Tracy. The
Milwaukee Sentinel wrote that there was "much hilarious comedy and robust action which takes away the sting of too much pathos" and that Tracy's work was an "excellent job."
John Mosher of
The New Yorker wrote a negative review, regretting that the film "leaves Miss Harlow in the background for longish and rather dreary stretches ... I'd say of the picture that there is too much tuna fish, and not enough Harlow." The film's depiction of organized labor drew some controversy.
Max S. Hayes of
The Cleveland Citizen attacked the film as "propaganda to prejudice the public against trade unionism." David Lewis said he thought the film was "simplistic, although I loved Harlow, both in her work and as a person. And Tracy was excellent in a thankless part. They both helped make it a lot better than perhaps the script deserved. Thalberg... was not mad about the film... Anyway, it wasa well-made, well-acted program picture that possibly did everything Thalberg had wanted: it had shown that Jean Harlow had an acceptable dramatic flair." ==Box office==