Norma Shearer (as Jerry Martin) tests the freedom acceptable for men, but not permissible for women - the sexual "Double Standard". As the film opens, Ms. Shearer is an happily married woman. However, husband Chester Morris (as Ted Martin) gets "plastered", and succumbs to the advances of a sexually aggressive woman
at least, that's what is discernible from the after-the-fact behavior of the adulterous duo, as Shearer catches them in a light embrace. Disillusioned, Shearer turns the tables by having a "one night stand" of her own - with one of the soon-to-be divorced couple's pals.
In a film themed like Greta Garbo's recent "The Single Standard" (1929), MGM takes another shot at the sexual "Double Standard". The results are similar, but not the same. Shearer's winning performance is bold, fascinating, and fun to watch; she elevates the character far above the material. The film's problem is that it pulls its punches with a disappointing ending, extinguishing a truly interesting story. Yet, somehow, Shearer makes the character ring true. It's a strong performance, which manages to rise above the film's abandonment of its thesis.
Director Robert Z. Leonard, writer John Meehan, and a fine supporting cast are a great help. Robert Montgomery's performance (as Don) is a standout. And, Conrad Nagel (as Paul) is another Shearer castoff, who has a potable problem; he has a harrowing car crash near the film's opening. A lot of alcohol is consumed in this movie! "The Divorcée" is a flawed, but worthwhile film.
******* The Divorcée (4/19/30) Robert Z. Leonard ~ Norma Shearer, Chester Morris, Robert Montgomery, Conrad Nagel
In a film themed like Greta Garbo's recent "The Single Standard" (1929), MGM takes another shot at the sexual "Double Standard". The results are similar, but not the same. Shearer's winning performance is bold, fascinating, and fun to watch; she elevates the character far above the material. The film's problem is that it pulls its punches with a disappointing ending, extinguishing a truly interesting story. Yet, somehow, Shearer makes the character ring true. It's a strong performance, which manages to rise above the film's abandonment of its thesis.
Director Robert Z. Leonard, writer John Meehan, and a fine supporting cast are a great help. Robert Montgomery's performance (as Don) is a standout. And, Conrad Nagel (as Paul) is another Shearer castoff, who has a potable problem; he has a harrowing car crash near the film's opening. A lot of alcohol is consumed in this movie! "The Divorcée" is a flawed, but worthwhile film.
******* The Divorcée (4/19/30) Robert Z. Leonard ~ Norma Shearer, Chester Morris, Robert Montgomery, Conrad Nagel