1929-30 – Norma Shearer
The Divorcee / Their Own Desire
Again, these still being pretty early films from 1930, I was only able to find The Divorcee to watch and review. I’ve seen the movie before, and knew that shearer did a fantastic job. And really, this is the film she took home the Best Actress Oscar for. Not to downplay her performance in Their Own Desire, which I’ve no doubt was just as good, I think her portrayal of Jerry Martin was strong enough to earn her the statuette on its own merits.
This was a welcome example of a female empowerment film that suffered from the social attitudes of the time in which it was made. Jerry is madly in love with her husband, played by Chester Morris. But when she learns that he has been unfaithful, I noticed the unfortunate flip-flopp back and forth between ‘how dare you’ and ‘I forgive you.’ I’m not sure if this movie would ever be made today. A strong modern woman would never put up with Ted’s attitude. When he cheated, it didn’t mean a thing, but when she balanced the scales, she was branded as wicked.
Shearer was gorgeous, and she had a smile that could light a room. It just made her sadness all the more dismal when it was turned off. And when the tears finally started to flow, it was heartbreaking to watch. Once the divorce was finalized, she went on a sexual spree to celebrate her freedom. But eventually she broke down when she revealed that she was tired – tired of being promiscuous, tired of all the constant partying, tired of the mess she had made of her life, and tired of the shame she ultimately felt because of her wild escapades. Shearer played that scene perfectly. All that weariness came through in every line she delivered.
Shearer was wonderful. She seemed to have an ease about her that made everything she did seem effortless. She acted so naturally, that it justified the plot device where all the men were in love with her. She created a character that I bet audiences wanted to know in real life. Shearer just seemed so genuine. It’s too bad I was not able to find Their Own Desire to watch. But I’ve looked at the list of Best Actress nominees, and I have four more upcoming films starring Shearer to look forward to, if I can find them.