Cast
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Claudette Colbert
as Margaret Hughes
Melvyn Douglas
as David Rolfe
Lilyan Tashman
as Claire Foster
William 'Stage' Boyd
as Harry Evans
Ross Alexander
as Jimmy O'Neill
Franchot Tone
as Phil Long
Effie Shannon
as Mrs. Hughes
Paul Harvey
as Blaney
Granville Bates
as City Editor
Victor Kilian
as Ed
Robert Fischer
as Fritz Engelhardt
Douglass Dumbrille
as Chauffeur - aka The Wop
Crew
Director
- Berthold Viertel
Writer
- Caroline Francke
- Harry Hervey
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Wiser Sex 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 Berthold Viertel 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 1932, 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 Wiser Sex took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 76 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1932, 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 The Wiser Sex shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lolita's Club, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Wiser Sex subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Kim Novak Never Swam in Genesaret's Lake and The Taming of the Shrew explore similar territory, The Wiser Sex stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 14, 1932
- Runtime: 1h 16m
