In Name Only
In Name Only

Movie spotlight

In Name Only

1939
Movie
94 min
English

A wealthy man falls for a widow but is locked into a loveless marriage with a woman who has contrived to convince his parents she is the ideal wife.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: John CromwellGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Famed European composer Alec Gray is torn between his wealthy, socialite wife, Maude, and his true love, Julie Eden. Alec's marriage is one of convenience and societal expectation, and he longs to be free to pursue his relationship with Julie. However, Maude is determined to maintain her status and control over Alec, creating a dramatic conflict that forces difficult choices.

Critical Reception

In Name Only was generally well-received by critics for its dramatic performances, particularly from Carole Lombard and Charles Boyer, and its exploration of romantic entanglements. While not considered a groundbreaking film, it was praised as a solid melodrama that effectively conveyed emotional turmoil.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for strong performances, especially Carole Lombard's portrayal of a woman scorned.

  • The film effectively captures the melodrama and emotional weight of its central love triangle.

  • While a bit predictable, it's a well-crafted drama that engages the audience.

Google audience: Audience reception information for 'In Name Only (1939)' on Google is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Carole Lombard, known primarily for her comedic roles, took on the more dramatic role of Julie Eden, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Kay Francis is actually quite nasty and certainly steals the limelight in this gentle, sightly plodding, dark melodrama about a wealthy man (Cary Grant) who falls for her charms not realising that all she ever really wanted was his cash. Me...