Back in the early 1930s, Hollywood had a rigid production code...at least in writing. However, studios routinely ignored it and stories that were very risquee were common....and a few even featured nudity. Because there was no rating system and anyone could attend any movie, there were a lot of valid concerns about the sorts of tales coming to local theaters. Instead of using a rating system, groups like the Legion of Decency called for sanitizing movies and getting rid of 'objectionable material'. At first Hollywood ignored this and similar groups...until attendance dropped as a result of these protests. So, reluctantly, in July, 1934 a new, tough Production Code was enacted...eliminating not just truly objectionable material but even things which normal folks didn't mind seeing in movies at all. Now, gay characters, adultery plots, unpunished violence and even the word 'pregnant' were removed from scripts...all in the name of decency. One of the last films to slip in to theaters before the Code was "The Life of Vergie Winter"...a film condemned by the Legion and which features a pro-adultery plot!
Vergie (Ann Harding) is in love with married John Shadwell (John Boles) and vice-versa. However, John is interested in a career in politics and having a mistress would destroy any chance at his getting elected. And, once she becomes pregnant, things get even more complicated! What's next? See for yourself...just understand that it heavily romanticizes adultery. Overall, a film which not only offended folks back in the day but is a genuinely poor movie because it is so simpering and sappy....to the point where it all just seems ridiculous.
Vergie (Ann Harding) is in love with married John Shadwell (John Boles) and vice-versa. However, John is interested in a career in politics and having a mistress would destroy any chance at his getting elected. And, once she becomes pregnant, things get even more complicated! What's next? See for yourself...just understand that it heavily romanticizes adultery. Overall, a film which not only offended folks back in the day but is a genuinely poor movie because it is so simpering and sappy....to the point where it all just seems ridiculous.