The Divorce Racket
The Divorce Racket

Movie spotlight

The Divorce Racket

1932
Movie
66 min
English

Assigned to investigate a lawyer's murder, a detective finds that his chief suspect is his own secretary--who is also the woman he loves.

Insights

Director: Buster SlatteryGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A struggling actress, desperate for a role, infiltrates a divorce lawyer's office under false pretenses. She hopes to gather scandalous material that will help her land a part in a play. However, her meddling leads to unexpected romantic entanglements and complications.

Critical Reception

The film received a mixed reception upon its release, with critics often divided on its comedic timing and dramatic elements. While some praised its energetic performances, particularly from Patsy Kelly, others found the plot to be convoluted and the humor occasionally falls flat. It is largely forgotten today, often overshadowed by more prominent comedies of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Patsy Kelly's lively performance is a highlight.

  • The film struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic aspirations.

  • A lesser-known Pre-Code film that doesn't quite stand the test of time.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this film is not readily available. It is a relatively obscure title from the early 1930s.

Fun Fact

Clara Kimball Young, a major silent film star, was largely relegated to supporting roles in this era of her career, with "The Divorce Racket" being one of her later appearances in sound films.

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