THE RICH ARE ALWAYS WITH US

US, 1932, 71 minutes, Black and white.
Ruth Chatterton, George Brent, Bette Davis, John Miljan, Adrienne Dore.
Directed by Alfred E.Green.

This is an early sound melodrama, which, with its elaborate title, actually promises more than it delivers.

The opening, 1900, announces the birth of the leading lady, Caroline (Ruth Chatterton). Then the caption, 1920, indicates that she has inherited a great deal of money. Then, 1930, when she marries Greg – a society marriage, which only a few years later is on the rocks.

Ruth Chatterton was popular in films at this time. John Miljan is her husband, already flirting with a young woman and intending to divorce and remarry. Also in the picture is George Brent in an early role, a novelist, in love with the wealthy woman. Rounding out the picture is a young Bette Davis, with the name Malbro (and many wonder where screenwriters dug up these names), friend of Caroline and in love with the novelist.

A lot of the film is taken up with discussions, Greg with his new girlfriend and her petulant response to his wife, confrontation with his wife and the girlfriend, Malbro turning up now and again involved in flirtatious and threatening discussions, and the novelist with Caroline, at meals, alone with her, proposing.

Ultimately, Caroline travels to France in order to get a divorce. The novelist decides to follow her to France and does so. Malbro tries to intervene and stop him.

When the husband becomes ill, Caroline returns from France, the novelist thinking that she wants to go back to her husband – but the finale of the film is her calling on a Justice of the peace, a hasty wedding ceremony with the novelist, reassuring him that he loves her and she loves him and they have a future together.

One for the history of Hollywood movies.