Old Dude, Old Movies - "The Divorcee"

Do you like old-time melodramas? This 1930 release is for you.

Norma Shearer stars, and "star" she was. Some writers and experts have highlighted how she wasn't a typical blonde beauty, or perhaps her figure wasn't the idealized stereotype for that time period.  However, she had a way of captivating an audience.

Here, she is "Jerry", young & vivacious. She is part of a circle of friends that are living the high life (nice bit of escapism from the Depression).  Her boyfriend "Ted" (Chester Morris) is an up-and-coming businessman, typical of the men in that era. He expected to be as free as he liked while his girlfriend was to be loyal and chaste. Ted sowed some wild oats before getting married, and that sowing came back to cast a shadow over his marriage.

Meanwhile, Jerry's friend "Paul" (Conrad Nagel) harbored a secret crush. He was crestfallen when Jerry accepted Ted's marriage proposal. Paul's heartache led to disastrous decisions that hurt others. He's a recurring presence in this picture, as a reminder of what could have been for Jerry. He's calm and loyal where Ted is high-strung and self-centered. Did Jerry choose the wrong man?

Jerry and Ted marry, and almost immediately Jerry has doubts about Ted's fidelity. After those doubts are confirmed, Jerry is at first forgiving but eventually angry (a precursor to today's variations of open relationships). Jerry wants Ted to feel the same pain she does. This double standard is tricky to work now; it must have been unfathomable back in the '30s.

Their marriage starts to fracture, as expected. Jerry keeps her vow to hurt Ted, by dating man after man in succession. Suitors offer all sorts of opportunities, but Jerry still holds a torch for her Ted. She physically tries to be sexually voracious, but it doesn't suit the person she is inside. Meanwhile, Ted slides deeper into bitterness, jealousy and alcohol.

Other roles are capably handled by the supporting cast. Robert Montgomery is the foppish "Don", always up for a good time, regardless of its' impact to others' lives. Judith Wood is the tragic "Dorothy", who is a living reminder of consequences after reckless behavior.

Capable actors abound in this picture, but Shearer owns this film from start to finish. She is sweet and supportive in some scenes, slinky and alluring in others. Some scenes, she is strong and determined. In others, she is vulnerable and wounded. She covers a lot of ground in this film, winning the Best Actress Academy Award for this role. So what if "boy wonder" producer Irving Thalberg was her husband (and uncredited producer for this film)?

Yep, there are tons of soap opera elements in this one. Maybe it's not for everyone. If it was a new release today, of course it would be called a "chick flick". Regardless, Shearer is gorgeous. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen when she was on.

I wouldn't buy a copy of this movie, but if/when it's on I'd watch it and enjoy it.