This is actually a pretty solid film, despite the triteness and simple plot line.
Sam Dodsworth (Walter Huston) is a rich businessman who owns several car factories but now, he's taken early retirement so he can travel to Europe with his wife, Fran (Ruth Chatterton). While they start out the trip with such high hopes, nothing goes to plan. Fran is far younger than her husband and appears younger than she is so she's ready to embrace life while Sam wishes to explore ancient ruins and various museums. So it is no one's surprise that during her travels, Fran manages to catch the eye of three young men, though it is not reciprocated with the first one, as he nearly assaults her and Sam doesn't have any sympathy.
Still, she nevertheless wishes to get a divorce so she can marry Kurt (Gregory Gaye), a penniless baron, only to fail to get the approval of his mother (Maria Ouspenskaya) so she reluctantly returns to her husband, even though he's finally fallen in love with Edith (Mary Astor), who is living a simpler life in Naples. He goes back and can't take her nagging, so he decides to leave her, finally putting his wants and needs before hers.
So, while there's tons of cheating spouses (never one of my favorite themes) and it is a little dialogue heavy, but the acting is top-notch and Fran's gowns are just lovely and given the heavy themes, there are parts that remain relevant to this day. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Ironically, Astor was significantly younger than Chatterton.
-Chatterton was a rather famous actress of the 1920s and 30s but she's virtually unknown today.
-Though her role is painfully small, Ouspenskaya was nominated for a supporting actress Oscar anyway.
-Fran goes so far to hide her age that she refuses to admit she's a grandma.
-John Payne makes his film debut in this film.
-The scene at the beginning of the film, Fran's speech on how dreadfully boring it is to be a rich housewife is especially poignant.
-Oscar winners David Niven and Paul Lukas have solid supporting roles.
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