20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Neglected Landmark, More Often Discussed Than Seen, May 6, 2003
This review is from: Divorcee [VHS] (VHS Tape)
THE DIVORCEE was created in the first wave of "all talking pictures," an era in which directors, writers, and actors often struggled to find styles appropriate to the new technology. At the time, it was hailed as a masterpiece of realism; today, however, it is a film more often discussed than actually seen, for there is no escaping the fact that the film is stylistically dated. Even so, it remains a landmark of its era--and given its historical importance it should be seen by any one with a serious interest in the history of American cinema.
The film is "pre-code," which is to say that it was made during a handful of years in the early 1930s when Hollywood's self-censorship was more the subject of jokes than of reality, and THE DIVORCEE was among the first Hollywood talkies to openly address both female sexuality and the sexual double standard. The story finds Jerry (Norma Shearer) and Ted (Chester Morris) happily married--but on their third anniversary Jerry discovers that Ted has been unfaithful, something that Ted dismisses with the words "it doesn't mean a thing." Angry and hurt, Jerry responds by having a one night stand of her own--and then is astonished by Ted's hypocrisy when he declares that her infidelity "isn't the same thing."
The same story has been told so often that today we take it for granted, but in 1930 it was extremely controversial, and the cast plays it out with considerable intensity. Most notable is star Norma Shearer; although changing styles have left her sadly neglected, in her own era she was considered among the finest actresses on the screen and noted for her unusual beauty, memorable speaking voice, and tremendous star quality. In THE DIVORCEE she gives it everything she has, and her power is such that most viewers will find she quickly transcends the stylistically dated aspects of both the film and her own performance.
Over the years I've seen the film several times--most impressively on the big screen, where the larger than life performances seem considerably less affected--and I've enjoyed it quite a bit every time. If you are interested in exploring early 1930s Hollywood films, you could do considerably worse than to begin with THE DIVORCEE, which was my own introduction to that film era. If you are already interested in early 1930s film and have never seen it... this one belongs on your shelf, and no excuses.
--GFT (Amazon reviewer)--
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Pre-Code Gem, June 8, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Divorcee [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I first saw this movie about 4 weeks ago. Even though I am young, it was still a fantastic movie. Norma Shearer portrays Jerry, a woman who thinks like a man and acts ilke one too. When the husband cheats on her, she turned around and does the same thing, with the husband's best friend. The old "two can play that game". Trust me when her husband finds out, he doesn't take it too well. I'm not saying that what she did was right either but it's amazing how the old double standard was played against Jerry. It's no wonder that this fim was made in the Pre-Code era (because of it's theme of open adultery and sexual behavior). However, I liked it very much and I would see it again.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What's Good for the Man is Good for the Woman in this Movie., November 6, 2000
This review is from: Divorcee [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Chester Morris plays a roving husband who has a brief affair with another woman--and tells his wife it doesn't mean a thing! Norma Shearer struggles to accept this, and when she can't she sets out to "settle the account" by having an affair with his best friend. When confronted with his wife's infidelity, the husband is unable to accept her explaination that "it doesn't mean a thing." This is definately pre-code Hollywood at it's finest and this movie doesn't disappoint. Norma's real life husband, Irving Thalberg, wasn't at all keen for Norma to play a part like this, but it's a good thing he relented. This movie is definately worth your time to see it, especially if you're a fan of the early talkies or Miss Shearer.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
