Eine Scheidung (1932)
42KEine Scheidung: Directed by George Cukor. With John Barrymore, Billie Burke, David Manners, Katharine Hepburn. A man, Hilary Fairfield returns home after fifteen years in a mental asylum. However, he finds things are not the way they were when he left.
“Itu0026#39;s Christmas in England. World War I veteran John Barrymore (as Hilary Fairfield) has been committed to an asylum for 15 years, due to insanity brought on by u0026quot;shell shocku0026quot;. The season has resulted in a blessing for Mr. Barrymore, who is on his way home for the holidays, after recovering his sanity. Meanwhile, wife Billie Burke (as Margaret u0026quot;Megu0026quot; Fairfield) has fallen in love again, received a divorce, and is planning to re-marry. Barrymoreu0026#39;s return throws the household into turmoil. Daughter Katharine Hepburn (as Sidney Fairfield), also planning to marry, begins to fear starting her own family, after learning Barrymoreu0026#39;s madness is hereditary.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s admittedly not intended as such, and consequently not exceptional; but, George Cukoru0026#39;s u0026quot;A Bill of Divorcementu0026quot; should be seen as a filmed stage play. The story is thought-provoking; it mixes madness, marriage, and war with duty, self-sacrifice, and religion. The characterizations are, today, u0026quot;outdatedu0026quot; in style, substance, and storyline. Still, they are interesting in context. The three lead performances are significant: Barrymoreu0026#39;s theatrical skills are clearly evident; his performance is most enjoyable (the war duty scene is a highlight). Additionally, Ms. Burke begins a welcome u0026quot;second careeru0026quot; in sound films; and Ms. Hepburn begins a welcome u0026quot;second careeru0026quot; in films. With less to do, steadfast supporting actress Elizabeth Patterson (as Hester Fairfield) definitely holds her own. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003e****** A Bill of Divorcement (1932) George Cukor ~ John Barrymore, Billie Burke, Katharine Hepburn”
