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{{short description|1933 film by George Cukor}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Our Betters
| name = Our Betters
| image = OurBetters.jpg
| image = OurBetters.jpg

| image_size =
| caption = Original poster
| caption = Original poster
| director = [[George Cukor]]<br>[[Tommy Atkins (director)|Tommy Atkins]] (assistant)
| director = [[George Cukor]]
| producer = [[David O. Selznick]]
| producer = [[David O. Selznick]]
| writer = [[Jane Murfin]]<br>[[Harry Wagstaff Gribble]]<br>Based on the play by [[W. Somerset Maugham]]
| screenplay = [[Jane Murfin]]<br>[[Harry Wagstaff Gribble]]
| based_on = {{based on|''[[Our Betters (play)|Our Betters]]''<br>1917 play|[[Somerset Maugham]]}}
| narrator =
| narrator =
| starring = [[Constance Bennett]]<br>[[Anita Louise]]<br>[[Gilbert Roland]]
| starring = [[Constance Bennett]]<br>[[Anita Louise]]<br>[[Gilbert Roland]]
Line 12: Line 14:
| cinematography = [[Charles Rosher]]
| cinematography = [[Charles Rosher]]
| editing = [[Jack Kitchin]]
| editing = [[Jack Kitchin]]
| studio = RKO Radio Pictures
| distributor = [[RKO Pictures|RKO Radio Pictures]]
| distributor = [[RKO Pictures|RKO Radio Pictures]]
| released = {{Film date|1933|02|23}}
| released = {{Film date|1933|02|23}}
| runtime = 83 minutes
| runtime = 83 minutes
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English}}
| language = English
}}


'''''Our Betters''''' is a 1933 American [[pre-Code]] [[satire|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]].
'''''Our Betters''''' is a 1933 American [[Pre-Code Hollywood|pre-Code]] satirical [[comedy film]] directed by [[George Cukor]] and starring [[Constance Bennett]], [[Anita Louise]] and [[Gilbert Roland]]. The screenplay by [[Jane Murfin]] and Harry Wagstaff Gribble is based on the 1917 [[Our Betters (play)|play of the same title]] by [[Somerset Maugham]]. [[Tommy Atkins (director)|Tommy Atkins]] worked as assistant director, while the sets were designed by the [[art director]] [[Van Nest Polglase]].


==Plot==
==Plot==
Just after her wedding, American hardware heiress Pearl Saunders overhears her husband, Lord George Grayston, telling his mistress that he only married her for her money. Disillusioned, she grows hard and cynical.
Just after her wedding, American hardware heiress Pearl Saunders overhears her husband, Lord George Grayston, telling his mistress that he only married her for her money. Disillusioned, she grows hard and cynical.


Five years later, she has made herself a force among the British upper class with her parties. Among her friends are divorced Duchess Minnie, gossip-loving Thornton Clay, philanthropic Princess Flora, and Arthur Fenwick, her wealthy and adoring lover. Arthur discreetly provides her with a much-needed regular allowance, as her now absent husband has squandered most of her fortune.
Five years later, she has made herself a force among the British [[upper class]] with her parties. Among her friends are divorced Duchess Minnie, gossip-loving Thornton Clay, philanthropic Princess Flora, and Arthur Fenwick, her wealthy and adoring lover. Arthur discreetly provides her with a much-needed regular allowance, as her now absent husband has squandered most of her fortune.


Pearl introduces her younger sister Bessie to English [[aristocracy]] and especially to eligible young bachelor Lord Harry Bleane. Bessie is seduced by the glamour of high society. When her former fiance, Fleming Harvey, comes to see her, it becomes clear to him that she no longer loves him. Harry proposes to Bessie; she accepts, though she tells him only that she likes him very much.
Pearl introduces her younger sister Bessie to English [[aristocracy]] and especially to eligible young bachelor Lord Harry Bleane. The glamour of high society seduces Bessie. When her former fiancé, Fleming Harvey, comes to see her, it becomes clear to him that she no longer loves him. Harry proposes to Bessie; she accepts, though she tells him only that she likes him very much.


Pearl's social circle spends a weekend at the Grayston country estate. There, Minnie's gigolo, Pepi D'Costa, privately woos Pearl. Eventually, she has a rendezvous with him in the detached teahouse. However, this is detected by Minnie. She maliciously sends an unsuspecting Bessie to fetch her purse, whereupon Bessie sees too much. Her suspicions confirmed, Minnie denounces Pearl before the others. Arthur is furious and disheartened. Pearl's feelings are not hurt; she is more concerned about it becoming known.
Pearl's social circle spends a weekend at the Grayston country estate. There, Minnie's gigolo, Pepi D'Costa, privately woos Pearl. Eventually, she has a rendezvous with him in the detached teahouse. However, this is detected by Minnie. She maliciously sends an unsuspecting Bessie to fetch her purse, whereupon Bessie sees too much. Her suspicions confirmed, Minnie denounces Pearl before the others. Arthur is furious and disheartened. Pearl's feelings are not hurt; she is more concerned about it becoming known.


Pearl delays Minnie's departure for London and, through her wiles, manages to make up with both Minnie and Arthur. Minnie even forgives Pepi, finally agreeing to marry him. She then convinces Minnie to stay another night and learn the latest [[tango (dance)|tango]] steps from effete dance instructor Ernest.
Pearl delays Minnie's departure for London and, through her wiles, manages to make up with both Minnie and Arthur. Minnie even forgives Pepi, finally agreeing to marry him. She then persuades Minnie to stay another night and learn the latest [[tango (dance)|tango]] steps from effete dance instructor Ernest. When Bessie expresses her disgust with her sister's behavior, however, Pearl is truly hurt. She has second thoughts and persuades Harry to break the engagement. Bessie asks a delighted Fleming to take her away.

When Bessie expresses her disgust with her sister's behavior, however, Pearl is truly hurt. She has second thoughts and persuades Harry to break the engagement. Bessie asks a delighted Fleming to take her away.


==Cast==
==Cast==
*[[Constance Bennett]] as Pearl, Lady Grayston
* [[Constance Bennett]] as Pearl, Lady Grayston
*[[Anita Louise]] as Bessie Saunders
* [[Anita Louise]] as Bessie Saunders
*[[Gilbert Roland]] as Pepi D'Costa
* [[Gilbert Roland]] as Pepi D'Costa
*[[Violet Kemble-Cooper]] as Duchess Minnie
* [[Violet Kemble-Cooper]] as Duchess Minnie
*[[Charles Starrett]] as Fleming Harvey
* [[Charles Starrett]] as Fleming Harvey
*[[Grant Mitchell (actor)|Grant Mitchell]] as Thornton Clay
* [[Grant Mitchell (actor)|Grant Mitchell]] as Thornton Clay
*[[Minor Watson]] as Arthur Fenwick
* [[Phoebe Foster]] as the Princess
*[[Hugh Sinclair (actor)|Hugh Sinclair]] as Lord Harry Bleane
* [[Minor Watson]] as Arthur Fenwick
* [[Hugh Sinclair (actor)|Hugh Sinclair]] as Lord Harry Bleane
*[[Alan Mowbray]] as Lord George Grayston
* [[Alan Mowbray]] as Lord George Grayston
*[[Tyrell Davis]] as Ernest
* [[Tyrell Davis]] as Ernest
* Finis Barton as Diana, George's Mistress
* [[May Beatty]] as Duchess of Hightower


==Production==
==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.<ref>[http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article.jsp?cid=88929&mainArticleId=159623 Turner Classic Movies]</ref>
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 general tone and its costumes, which were designed by [[Hattie Carnegie]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article.jsp?cid=88929&mainArticleId=159623|title=Our Betters|website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref>


The film premiered at [[Radio City Music Hall]] in [[New York City]].<ref name=NYTimes>[https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E02E0DE173BEF3ABC4C51DFB4668388629EDE ''New York Times'' review]</ref>
The film premiered at [[Radio City Music Hall]] in [[New York City]].<ref name=NYTimes>{{cite news|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E02E0DE173BEF3ABC4C51DFB4668388629EDE|title=Movie Review - Constance Bennett, Violet Kemble-Cooper and Grant Mitchell in a Film of a Somerset Maugham Play. - NYTimes.com|work=The New York Times |date=24 February 1933 |last1=Hall |first1=Mordaunt }}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==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." <ref name=NYTimes/>
[[Mordaunt Hall]], film critic for ''[[The New York Times]]'' in 1933, called the film "a highly praiseworthy pictorial interpretation of the stage work" and added the following about Cukor's direction and Rosher's [[cinematography]]:{{blockquote|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."<ref name=NYTimes/>}}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{IMDb title|id=0024421|title=Our Betters}}
* {{IMDb title|0024421}}
* {{TCMDb title|id=358}}
* {{allMovie title|105151}}
* {{AFI film|5689}}


{{George Cukor}}
{{George Cukor}}
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[[Category:1933 films]]
[[Category:1933 films]]
[[Category:American comedy films]]
[[Category:American comedy films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:1933 comedy films]]
[[Category:1930s comedy films]]
[[Category:1930s satirical films]]
[[Category:Films based on plays]]
[[Category:American films based on plays]]
[[Category:American satirical films]]
[[Category:American satirical films]]
[[Category:American black-and-white films]]
[[Category:American black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films directed by George Cukor]]
[[Category:Films directed by George Cukor]]
⚫
[[Category:RKO Pictures films]]
[[Category:Films produced by David O. Selznick]]
[[Category:Films produced by David O. Selznick]]
[[Category:Film scores by Roy Webb]]
[[Category:Films scored by Roy Webb]]
[[Category:Films made before the MPAA Production Code]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Jane Murfin]]
[[Category:Films set in London]]
⚫
[[Category:RKO Pictures films]]
[[Category:1930s American films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Bernhard Kaun]]
[[Category:Films based on works by W. Somerset Maugham]]
[[Category:Films about adultery]]

Latest revision as of 16:11, 27 April 2024

Our Betters
Original poster
Directed byGeorge Cukor
Screenplay byJane Murfin
Harry Wagstaff Gribble
Based onOur Betters
1917 play
by Somerset Maugham
Produced byDavid O. Selznick
StarringConstance Bennett
Anita Louise
Gilbert Roland
CinematographyCharles Rosher
Edited byJack Kitchin
Music byBernhard Kaun
Roy Webb
Production
company
RKO Radio Pictures
Distributed byRKO Radio Pictures
Release date
  • February 23, 1933 (1933-02-23)
Running time
83 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Our Betters is a 1933 American pre-Code satirical comedy film directed by George Cukor and starring Constance Bennett, Anita Louise and Gilbert Roland. The screenplay by Jane Murfin and Harry Wagstaff Gribble is based on the 1917 play of the same title by Somerset Maugham. Tommy Atkins worked as assistant director, while the sets were designed by the art director Van Nest Polglase.

Plot[edit]

Just after her wedding, American hardware heiress Pearl Saunders overhears her husband, Lord George Grayston, telling his mistress that he only married her for her money. Disillusioned, she grows hard and cynical.

Five years later, she has made herself a force among the British upper class with her parties. Among her friends are divorced Duchess Minnie, gossip-loving Thornton Clay, philanthropic Princess Flora, and Arthur Fenwick, her wealthy and adoring lover. Arthur discreetly provides her with a much-needed regular allowance, as her now absent husband has squandered most of her fortune.

Pearl introduces her younger sister Bessie to English aristocracy and especially to eligible young bachelor Lord Harry Bleane. The glamour of high society seduces Bessie. When her former fiancé, Fleming Harvey, comes to see her, it becomes clear to him that she no longer loves him. Harry proposes to Bessie; she accepts, though she tells him only that she likes him very much.

Pearl's social circle spends a weekend at the Grayston country estate. There, Minnie's gigolo, Pepi D'Costa, privately woos Pearl. Eventually, she has a rendezvous with him in the detached teahouse. However, this is detected by Minnie. She maliciously sends an unsuspecting Bessie to fetch her purse, whereupon Bessie sees too much. Her suspicions confirmed, Minnie denounces Pearl before the others. Arthur is furious and disheartened. Pearl's feelings are not hurt; she is more concerned about it becoming known.

Pearl delays Minnie's departure for London and, through her wiles, manages to make up with both Minnie and Arthur. Minnie even forgives Pepi, finally agreeing to marry him. She then persuades Minnie to stay another night and learn the latest tango steps from effete dance instructor Ernest. When Bessie expresses her disgust with her sister's behavior, however, Pearl is truly hurt. She has second thoughts and persuades Harry to break the engagement. Bessie asks a delighted Fleming to take her away.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

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 general tone and its costumes, which were designed by Hattie Carnegie.[1]

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

Critical reception[edit]

Mordaunt Hall, film critic for The New York Times in 1933, called the film "a highly praiseworthy pictorial interpretation of the stage work" and added the following about Cukor's direction and Rosher's cinematography:

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[edit]

  1. ^ "Our Betters". Turner Classic Movies.
  2. ^ a b Hall, Mordaunt (24 February 1933). "Movie Review - Constance Bennett, Violet Kemble-Cooper and Grant Mitchell in a Film of a Somerset Maugham Play. - NYTimes.com". The New York Times.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Our_Betters&oldid=1221057505"