Browning's wink and nod to the obvious here is subtle and charming, never bold, yet it must have seems quite outrageous at the time. This leads me to another solution to Browning's problematic plot and bad actors. The Hilton sisters are quite good here and handle all the romantic aspects of their subplot with ease. A story with these characters at the forefront might have been much more successful. A simplicity of style, a bit of nostalgia and a care for the world's less fortunate.
Browning lenses the proceedings with love more than morbid curiosity.
From the opening frame we are never supposed to be shocked by what we see. We may be initially, at first. Of course, we are only human and this is 1932. But our shock quickly turns to intrigue. And, finally, our interest towards these gentle creatures morphs yet again into concern for their well-being.