Cast
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Tallulah Bankhead
as Nancy Courtney
Clive Brook
as Norman Cravath
Phoebe Foster
as Germaine Prentiss
Alexander Kirkland
as DeWitt Taylor
Elizabeth Patterson
as Mrs. Courtney
Osgood Perkins
as Ben Sterner
Beatrice Ames
as Minor Role
Eric Blore
as Jewelry Counter Clerk
Berton Churchill
as Stock Speculator
Edward Gargan
as Al - Man in Bar
Dewey Robinson
as Tony the Waiter
Cora Witherspoon
as Saleslady
Crew
Director
- George Cukor
Producer
- Walter Wanger
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Tarnished Lady 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 George Cukor 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 Tarnished Lady took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 281 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1931, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- 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 Tarnished Lady shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Million Dollar Baby, which focuses more on action than character development, Tarnished Lady subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Freaks and All Quiet on the Western Front explore similar territory, Tarnished Lady stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: May 1, 1931
- Runtime: 1h 23m
