The Rich Are Always with Us (1932)

The Rich Are Always With Us
Directed by Alfred E. Green
Written by Austin Parker from a novel by Ethel Pettit
1932/USA
First National Pictures (Warner Bros.)
First viewing/Amazon Instant

[box]Tagline:  Witty, Naughty and Gay . . a spectacular story of how the other half lives – and loves – and lies.[/box]

Sophisticated love pentangle holds the interest with lush production values and some good acting.

Caroline Grannard (Ruth Chatterton) is the richest woman in the world.  She is being wooed by devil-may-care writer Julien Tierney (George Brent).  She flirts madly with him but will remain loyal to weak-willed husband Greg Grannard (John Miljan).  In the meantime, Caroline’s friend Marlbro (Bette Davis) is madly in love with Julien who won’t give her a tumble.  When Caroline discovers her husband’s affair with Allison Adair, she divorces him.

It would seem to be clear sailing for Julien and Caroline, but she cannot resist the urge to mother and bail out the hapless Greg.  Can Malbro exploit the situation to her advantage?

The story is sort of light weight but holds the interest for the film’s 71 minute running time. This was one of the first pairings of Davis with Brent, her favorite leading man, and they have an energy and charisma not matched by others in the cast.  I have never figured out why Chatterton was supposed to be so captivating but she sure does wear clothes well.

Trailer