Our Betters

Our Betters
Our Betters

Original poster
Directed by George Cukor
Produced by David O. Selznick
Written by Jane Murfin
Harry Wagstaff Gribble
Based on the play by W. Somerset Maugham
Starring Constance Bennett
Anita Louise
Music by Bernhard Kaun
Roy Webb
Cinematography Charles Rosher
Editing by Jack Kitchin
Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures
Release date(s) February 23, 1933
Running time 83 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Our Betters is a 1933 American satirical comedy film directed by George Cukor. The screenplay by Jane Murfin and Harry Wagstaff Gribble is based on the 1923 play of the same title by W. Somerset Maugham.

Contents

Plot

When American heiress Pearl Saunders learns her groom, Lord George Grayston, has married her for her money, she is devastated by the news but chooses to remain wed. Pearl socializes with a group of wealthy expatriate friends, including divorced duchess Minnie, gossip-loving Thornton Clay, philanthropic princess Flora, and Arthur Fenwick, her older lover and benefactor.

Pearl introduces her younger sister Bessie to English aristocracy and urges her to pursue a relationship with Lord Harry Bleane. Although she is the target of Fleming Harvey's affections, Bessie is seduced by the glamour of high society and joins her sister for a weekend at the Grayston country estate. When Minnie discovers her gigolo Pepi D'Costa is romancing Pearl, she publicly exposes their indiscretion. Mortified at having her innocent sister learn about her unseemly behavior, Pearl retreats to her room, while Minnie prepares to return to London. Fearful her reputation will be tarnished by Minnie's gossip, Pearl plots to delay her departure and tries to ingratiate herself with the rest of her guests. When Bessie accuses her of hypocrisy, Pearl has second thoughts and steers her sister away from Harry and back to the doting Fleming. She then convinces Minnie to stay another night and learn the latest tango steps from effete dance instructor Ernest.

Production

Producer David O. Selznick enlisted Elsa Maxwell, a gossip columnist whose reputation as a hostess of successful society parties was widely known, to serve as a consultant for the film's costumes (designed by Hattie Carnegie) and its general tone.[1]

The film premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.[2]

Cast

Critical reception

Mordaunt Hall of the New York Times called the film "a highly praiseworthy pictorial interpretation of the stage work" and added, "It is an intelligently worked out film, thanks to the director, George Cukor, and while it does not bother much about cinematic art, the scenes are always beautifully photographed and nicely staged. It has heaps of amusement and some hearty laughter, and Mr. Maugham's fine hand still is apparent notwithstanding certain tactful studio changes." [2]

References

External links


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