Directed: Mervyn LeRoy

Year: 1931

Nominated: Best Film

Plot in 25 Words: A newspaper editor looking for a circulation boost reignites an upper class scandal. Suicide and class wars all fall on the shoulders of one man.

In My Opinion: One of my main complaints about the films of this era is the similarity between the plots. They all follow a very repetitive story line and usually have a prostitute or two thrown in for good measure. This was a completely unique story, and it was brilliant.

It’s a plot line that wouldn’t be totally out of place nowadays – the casual quest for higher circulation causes a newspaper to print a rabble-rousing story that creates outrage and scandal.

The ripples formed by the simple publication of a story were clear and intricate.

The only downfall was yet again the era’s need to blame every problem on women. It was a woman’s scandal. a rich family don’t want their son to marry the daughter of a scandalous woman.

Sometimes men are just twats who deserve shooting.

Star Performer: Frances Starr as the woman of scandal. Very dramatic performance.

Overall: I mostly enjoyed this film. More than anything though, I enjoyed the change of pace from my previous viewings.