Smart Woman

Mary Astor was seen in any number of supporting roles (for example "Midnight" with Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche, just to stay with La Cava productions)but here shows she could hold the stage effortlessly as leading lady. And "stage" is the word since the film's origins as a play for theatre are rather obvious (the same set does for about 70% of the time). The remaining characters are stereotypes and Ames is somewhat wooden but the script is often very amusing indeed and with Gregory La Cava to mastermind the production everything sweeps along splendidly. Though short (65m) and nearly forgotten (no reference book on my shelves mentions this film) this is worth seeing by anyone with a taste for comedies of the period.

After a trip to Europe, socialite Mary Astor (as Nancy) is back on her Long Island estate. Traveling companion John Halliday (as Guy Harrington) thought, "All American women were restless and dissatisfied," but Ms. Astor is faithful to husband Robert Ames (as Donald "Don" Gibson), and lovingly looks forward to seeing him. Astor is disappointed when Edward Everett Horton (as Billy Ross) meets her at the ship, instead of Mr. Ames. Moreover, she's disheartened when Mr. Horton and wife Ruth Weston (as Sally) give Astor some devastating news - hubby Ames has been having an affair with blonde bimbo Noel Francis (as Peggy Preston).

Ames wants a divorce. But, "Smart Woman" Astor decides to use finesse to win Ames back. Pretending to approve of her husband's affair, she invites Ms. Francis ("Miss Alabama of 1927") and her mother over for the weekend, explaining that she, too, has romantic interests in another. Then, Astor invites Mr. Halliday (the man she rejected in Venice) to visit, hoping he'll make Ames jealous, and seduce the gold-digging Francis… This sounds complicated, but it's a capably handled, by director Gregory La Cava, version of the New York stage play "Nancy's Private Affair" (1930). Astor makes noticeable gains as a fine "talking pictures" actress.

****** Smart Woman (9/12/31) Gregory La Cava ~ Mary Astor, Robert Ames, John Halliday, Edward Everett Horton

Smart Woman (1932)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Racy pre-code from Warner has Mary Astor returning from a vacation to learn that her husband is having an affair. In order to get back at him she decides to stage her own affair. This is a rather interesting film due in large part to Astor who gets to put on the sex appeal. She would play a lot of nice women in her career so it's fun seeing her getting to act a tad bit naughty. The film has plenty of nice laughs but the ending is a bit too over-dramatic. Astor is terrific in her role as are the supporting players.

In some ways, this film is a bit regressive in its views on women and marriage. After all, it seems to say that if a man cheats on his loving wife, she should move heaven and earth to keep him. But, if you can look past this, the film is quite enjoyable and worth your time.

The film begins with Mary Astor and John Halliday on a cruise. She went to Europe because her mother was there--dying. He is just a nice rich English nobleman who has fallen in love with her. However, despite his infatuation, she is loyal to her husband back home and Halliday must let her go. Unfortunately, however, when Astor arrives, the husband is not there to meet the boat...and she soon learns it's because he's met someone else--a younger woman! Instead of fighting her husband, however, she acts quite accepting of this--even offering to have the mistress and her mother come to their estate for the weekend! Personally, I would have shot the guy...by Astor has a plan. She invites Halliday and pretends that she, too, has met someone else.

It's all very sophisticated and clever--and very well written. I've actually seen several films like this, but this is one of the better ones--and a darn good movie for 1931. Intelligently written and with sparkling dialog--this film is a winner.

This early Gregory La Cava film is a nice comedy-drama, starring the beautiful and talented Mary Astor, who is the show's main attraction, because I have to admit that I found the other leading player, Robert Ames, who plays her husband, rather dull in this one.

The film's plot has to do with the marital problems between Astor and Ames, after the former arrives from a travel to France. Noteworthy performances by John Halliday as a debonair man of the world who befriends Astor and Edward Everett Horton as Ames' Business Partner, who's highly amusing in his role, as always, and gets to say a lot of witty lines & wisecracks.

Early 30's and Mary Astor fans will have a good time watching this film, which at 68 minutes, is very short by today's standards.