In Name Only
Directed by John Cromwell
Written by Richard Sherman from a novel by Bessie Breuer
1939/US
RKO Radio Pictures
IMDb page
First viewing/Amazon Prime rental
Julie Eden: [Last lines] We were both dreaming, darling. But, now, it’s true.
John Cromwell delivers a solid “woman’s picture” with a fabulous cast.
Alec (Cary Grant) and Maida (Kay Francis) Walker have been an unhappily married couple ever since he found out she married him for his money. Kay has his parents conned into believing she is the perfect wife . One day, Cary meets Julie Eden and after that he only has eyes for her. She is a young widow with a little girl and is looking for a commitment.
Unfortunately, Maida could probably forego Alec but not the money and status that comes with him. She tries every low trick in the book to deny Alec his divorce. With Charles Coburn as Cary’s father and Helen Vinson in her usual role of catty troublemaker.
All the principals are in top form and Cromwell avoids overdoing any part of it. The story could have so easily drifted into melodrama. Worth a watch.
