Cast
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Irene Dunne
as Mary Brown Porter
Pat O’Brien
as Steve Porter
John Halliday
as Jeff Hunter
Myrna Loy
as Elaine Brandon
Lester Vail
as Aubrey
Matt Moore
as The Colonel
Elmer Ballard
as Undetermined Role (uncredited)
Wilson Benge
as Elaine's Butler (uncredited)
Edgar Dearing
as Mulligan - a Policeman (uncredited)
Tom Herbert
as Dog Owner (uncredited)
Robert Homans
as Justice of the Peace (uncredited)
Gertrude Howard
as Kate - Mary's Maid (uncredited)
Gladden James
as Charlie - One of the Boys (uncredited)
Dave O'Brien
as Man Picking Up Stack of Newspapers (uncredited)
Pauline Stevens
as Baby Porter (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Paul Sloane
Writer
- Bill Cunningham
Producer
- William LeBaron
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Consolation Marriage examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Paul Sloane brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1931, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Consolation Marriage took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 209 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 66 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1931, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Consolation Marriage shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Deception, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Consolation Marriage subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A.I.D.S: Syndrome Of Death and Perfect Strangers explore similar territory, Consolation Marriage stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 21, 1931
- Runtime: 1h 21m
