Smart Woman (1931)
8/10
Very familiar but surprisingly good.
6 June 2010
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.
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