Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)
Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)

Movie spotlight

Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)

1931
Movie
76 min
English

A young woman runs away from an abusive home and pre-arranged marriage only to be frustrated in her attempts to find happiness with a handsome engineer.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Director: Robert Z. LeonardGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Susan Lenox, a young woman from a small town, is forced into a life of hardship and exploitation after her father abandons her and her mother dies. She moves to the city and falls prey to the manipulative schemes of a wealthy businessman, J. Augustus "Cap" Smith. Despite her difficult circumstances and a series of compromising situations, Susan strives for dignity and a better life, eventually finding a chance at genuine love and stability with Rodney "Rod" Spencer.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)" received mixed to positive reviews, largely driven by the star power of Greta Garbo and the pairing with the emerging Clark Gable. While some critics found the plot melodramatic and its themes somewhat risqué for the era, Garbo's performance was widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance. The film's willingness to tackle a story of a woman's struggle and survival resonated with audiences, contributing to its box office success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Greta Garbo delivers a compelling and sympathetic performance as a woman navigating difficult circumstances.

  • The film's narrative explores themes of societal hypocrisy and a woman's resilience, though some find it melodramatic.

  • The on-screen chemistry between Garbo and Clark Gable, in one of his early significant roles, was a highlight for many.

Google audience: Audience reception information from Google is not readily available for this early film. However, contemporary reviews suggest that viewers were drawn to the dramatic storyline and the performances of its lead actors.

Fun Fact

This film marked the first on-screen pairing of Greta Garbo and Clark Gable, two of Hollywood's most iconic stars, though they had met previously.

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