"Bill of Divorcement" (1932) is a film about social attitudes toward divorce and mental illness circa 1920 when the original play on which the film is based was written.
The 1921 smash hit play by English playwright and novelist Clemence Dane (aka Winifred Ashton) ran for 173 performances and helped launch the career of Katharine Cornell who played the part of the daughter, played by Katharine Hepburn in the film. The play takes place in 3 parts, and the film literally adapts the same format. Director George Cukor does manage to use a roving camera lens to offer some diversity, but the stage origins are all too evident throughout.
Dane drew her inspiration for the play from a law passed in England allowing divorce based on insanity. While men always had the right of divorce, it was granted to woman as late as 1857, and then only for adultery plus cruelty, rape, and/or incest (based on the 1801 Addison case). Problems with returning veterans caused a spike in divorce around this time and it was a hot topic in the early 20s (hence the play).
The early 20s was also a time when people believed that many traits were hereditary, following the work of Henry Goddard on the Kallikaks. Large scale sterilizations were conducted throughout the U.S. in an attempt to prevent crime, mental retardation and mental illness, all of which were assumed to be transmitted through the genes.
So, what seems like a filmed stage and dated film is in fact a filmed stage and dated film.
The film stars John Barrymore (as the recovered shell shock victim who became mentally ill), silent film star Billie Burke as the wife, and Katharine Hepburn in her first film role. All are excellent, but none better than John Barrymore who turns in what I consider to be his finest film performance.
The NY Times said "Miss Hepburn's portrayal is exceptionally fine .(her) characterization is one of the finest seen on the screen " The Hollywood Reporter said "there is a new star on the cinema horizon, and her name is Katharine Hepburn" and the Post said Miss Hepburn "has the makings of a star."
Of Billie Burke the Times said she "..is most gratifying has a pleasing enunciation and the ability to express herself in a serious and difficult role." I recall her best as the good witch from The Wizard of Oz"
This isn't a particularly great film, but it is noteworthy for the performances.
The 1921 smash hit play by English playwright and novelist Clemence Dane (aka Winifred Ashton) ran for 173 performances and helped launch the career of Katharine Cornell who played the part of the daughter, played by Katharine Hepburn in the film. The play takes place in 3 parts, and the film literally adapts the same format. Director George Cukor does manage to use a roving camera lens to offer some diversity, but the stage origins are all too evident throughout.
Dane drew her inspiration for the play from a law passed in England allowing divorce based on insanity. While men always had the right of divorce, it was granted to woman as late as 1857, and then only for adultery plus cruelty, rape, and/or incest (based on the 1801 Addison case). Problems with returning veterans caused a spike in divorce around this time and it was a hot topic in the early 20s (hence the play).
The early 20s was also a time when people believed that many traits were hereditary, following the work of Henry Goddard on the Kallikaks. Large scale sterilizations were conducted throughout the U.S. in an attempt to prevent crime, mental retardation and mental illness, all of which were assumed to be transmitted through the genes.
So, what seems like a filmed stage and dated film is in fact a filmed stage and dated film.
The film stars John Barrymore (as the recovered shell shock victim who became mentally ill), silent film star Billie Burke as the wife, and Katharine Hepburn in her first film role. All are excellent, but none better than John Barrymore who turns in what I consider to be his finest film performance.
The NY Times said "Miss Hepburn's portrayal is exceptionally fine .(her) characterization is one of the finest seen on the screen " The Hollywood Reporter said "there is a new star on the cinema horizon, and her name is Katharine Hepburn" and the Post said Miss Hepburn "has the makings of a star."
Of Billie Burke the Times said she "..is most gratifying has a pleasing enunciation and the ability to express herself in a serious and difficult role." I recall her best as the good witch from The Wizard of Oz"
This isn't a particularly great film, but it is noteworthy for the performances.