Cast
View All
Lynn Bari
as Lynn Nordyke
Mary Beth Hughes
as Lola May
Joseph Allen
as George Nordyke
Nils Asther
as Victor Roselle
Truman Bradley
as Bruce Campbell
Kay Linaker
as Hedda Smythe
Lyle Latell
as Brady
Mary Treen
as Olga
Thurston Hall
as Bert Harriman
Spencer Charters
as Second Judge
Leon Belasco
as Leo
Tom Fadden
as Capt. Walt
Alec Craig
as Jitters Noonan
Robert Emmett Keane
as Judge John Osborne (uncredited)
Bess Flowers
as Party Guest (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Robert Siodmak
Producer
- Ralph Dietrich
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Night Before the Divorce 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 Robert Siodmak 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 1942, 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 The Night Before the Divorce took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 67 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 106 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 251 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1942, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- 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 The Night Before the Divorce shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hard Candy, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Night Before the Divorce subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Lady Eve and The Night of the Hunter explore similar territory, The Night Before the Divorce 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: March 6, 1942
- Runtime: 1h 7m
