Cast
View All
Olive Borden
as Judy Paige
Morgan Farley
as Dickie Carroll
Ken Murray
as Charles Turner
Ann Greenway
as Ann Turner
Anderson Lawler
as Tom Stribbling
Sally Blane
as Sally
Hedda Hopper
as Mrs. Page
Richard Tucker
as Mr. Page
Henry Armetta
as Henry
James Eagles
as Matty
Jack Trent
as Rudy
G. Pat Collins
as Detective Bob Mulhall
James Bradbury Jr.
as Poverty
Randolph Scott
as Night Club Patron
Will Stanton
as Elevator Operator
Crew
Director
- William J. Cowen
Producer
- William LeBaron
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Half 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 William J. Cowen 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 1929, 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 Half Marriage took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 68 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 991 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 263 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1929, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Half 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 Click, which focuses more on action than character development, Half Marriage subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Risky Business and The Skeleton Key explore similar territory, Half 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 bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 12, 1929
- Runtime: 1h 8m
