A Bill of Divorcement

Margaret Fairfield's life is thrown into turmoil when her husband, Hilary, returns after a 26-year absence, revealing he was committed to a sanatorium for a mental breakdown. She discovers he has been legally divorced and that she has remarried and had a son. As Margaret grapples with this revelation, her daughter Sydney falls in love and plans to marry, leading to a crisis about passing on a potential hereditary madness.

The film was generally well-received by critics, particularly for its performances and its handling of a sensitive subject matter for the time. It was noted for its dramatic intensity and emotional depth.

• Praised for its powerful performances, especially from John Barrymore and Billie Burke.

• Lauded for its sensitive and mature exploration of complex family dynamics and mental health issues.

• Recognized as a significant directorial debut for George Cukor.

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This film marked the directorial debut of George Cukor, who would go on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors, known for his work with female stars.