That Brennan Girl (1946)

In the tumultuous year of 1938, vivacious 14-year-old Ziggy Brennan (Mona Freeman) finds her lively spirit dampened after a shocking encounter with her mother, Natalie (June Duprez), and a mysterious man. Despite being introduced as Natalie's "sister," Ziggy is imparted with a twisted form of maternal wisdom – learn the tricks and you'll never work a day. Ziggy's youthful naivety is quickly replaced with cunning, resulting in her expulsion from school for stealing a valuable lapel pin. Fast-forward five years, Ziggy, now street-smart and savvy, encounters Denny Reagan (James Dunn), a man with a dubious business proposal. Ziggy becomes the siren voice in a home-moving scam, luring unsuspecting victims into losing their furniture to Denny's gang. Amidst the decadent nightlife of 1943, Ziggy catches the eye of Mart Neilson (William Marshall), a naive naval officer. Despite revealing her scandalous past, Mart is smitten and insists on marriage. However, their wedded bliss is short-lived as Mart is taken by the war. Ziggy is left pregnant and alone when the law finally corners Denny, sending him to prison. Soon, Ziggy finds herself at odds with Natalie, resulting in her move to Mrs. Merryman's (Rosalind Ivan) boardinghouse, where she gives birth. As the years pass, Ziggy crosses paths with a reformed Denny, whose interest in Ziggy and her child rekindles their strained relationship. A tragic mishap involving a negligent babysitter and her helpless infant leads Ziggy to lose custody of her child. This event marks a turning point in Ziggy's life, causing her to disappear, leaving Denny and his mother to pick up the broken pieces. However, a chance encounter at a church with an abandoned infant triggers a transformation in Ziggy. Denny, impressed by her newfound maternal instincts, supports Ziggy in her fight to regain custody of her child. In a dramatic climax, the judge, moved by Ziggy's dedication to the abandoned child, reinstates her custody, marking a poignant end to Ziggy's turbulent journey.

That Brennan Girl is a drama movie featuring James Dunn and directed by Alfred Santell.

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It is also possible to buy That Brennan Girl on Amazon Video and Apple TV.