The Divorcee
The Divorcee

The Divorcee

1930Movie83 minEnglish

When a woman discovers that her husband has been unfaithful, she decides to pay him back in kind.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Director: Robert Z. LeonardGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Norma inherits a fortune and impulsively marries the charming but unfaithful Ted. She discovers his infidelity and seeks a divorce, only to find herself entangled in a new romance with Jerry, her lawyer, while her ex-husband attempts to win her back. The film explores the complexities of marriage, betrayal, and societal expectations surrounding divorce in the early 20th century.

Critical Reception

The Divorcee was a critical and commercial success, praised for its sophisticated portrayal of modern relationships and Norma Shearer's star-making performance. It was considered a bold film for its time, tackling the subject of divorce with a maturity that resonated with audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Norma Shearer delivers a career-defining performance as a woman navigating the complexities of a modern marriage.
  • The film bravely tackles the controversial topic of divorce, offering a nuanced and often sympathetic look at its characters.
  • Praised for its sophisticated direction and emotionally resonant storytelling.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this early sound film is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Won Academy Award for Best Actress (Norma Shearer). Nominated for Best Picture and Best Director.

Fun Fact

Norma Shearer's win for 'The Divorcee' was the first time an actress won an Oscar for a role in a talking picture.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

“What you feel for me is not love, it’s the call of a gorilla to it’s mate.” Nobody can ever say that pre-code plots weren’t racy enough, and this shows Norma Shearer, Chester Morris and Robert Montgomery’s characters at their most fickle. ...