Kept Husbands (Drama/Romance, 1931)

Kept Husbands (1931) is an American pre-Code drama film directed by Lloyd Bacon and produced by RKO Radio Pictures. It stars Dorothy Mackaill and Joel McCrea, with supporting roles by Robert McWade, Florence Roberts, and Mary Carr. The film is based on an original story by Louis Sarecky, adapted for the screen by Forrest Halsey and Alfred Jackson.
Genre
Drama/Romance: The film blends elements of drama and romance, focusing on social class differences and personal transformation.

Plot
The story centers on Dick Brunton (Joel McCrea), a working-class man who rises to prominence after a heroic act at a steel mill, saving the life of Arthur Parker, the mill's owner. Dick's bravery earns him a promotion and the attention of Dot Parker (Dorothy Mackaill), Arthur's spoiled and wealthy daughter. Despite their different backgrounds, Dot persuades Dick to marry her, envisioning a life of luxury and social status.
However, Dick struggles to adapt to Dot's affluent lifestyle, feeling emasculated and dominated by her social whirl of bridge games, cocktail parties, and passive acceptance of wealth. The tension escalates as Dick's career stagnates, and he begins to resent being a "kept husband." The narrative explores themes of class, gender roles, and personal identity.
The climax occurs when Dick decides to leave Dot and take a position in St. Louis offered by Parker, rejecting the life of luxury. Dot, realizing her love for him, chases him to the train station. They reconcile, with Dot agreeing to live within the means that Dick's salary can provide, signifying a mutual understanding and a return to more traditional gender roles.
Cast
Dorothy Mackaill as Dot Parker: Mackaill portrays the privileged daughter who initially sees Dick as a trophy but learns to value him for who he is.

Joel McCrea as Dick Brunton: McCrea plays the hardworking man who grapples with his new role in high society, delivering a performance that highlights his transition from blue-collar to white-collar life.

Robert McWade as Arthur Parker: McWade is Dot's father, the mill owner who initially supports Dick but becomes a source of conflict.

Florence Roberts as Mrs. Brunton: Roberts plays Dick's mother, adding depth to his working-class background.

Mary Carr as Mrs. Parker: Carr portrays Dot's mother, contributing to the family dynamics.

Ned Sparks as Hughie: Sparks provides comic relief as a friend of Dick's, offering a contrast to the film's more serious tones.

Additional Notes
Pre-Code Elements: As a pre-Code film, Kept Husbands includes themes and dialogues that reflect the era's more relaxed censorship standards, such as discussions of social class and gender roles.

Critical Reception: The film was well-received for its performances, particularly Mackaill's and McCrea's chemistry, and its exploration of class issues. It was noted for its neat sound recording and makeup, which enhanced the actors' appearances.

Historical Context: Released during the early years of the Great Depression, the film resonated with audiences grappling with economic and social changes, offering a narrative about upward mobility and its challenges.

Kept Husbands remains a interesting snapshot of 1930s cinema, capturing the tensions between class and personal identity, and showcasing the talents of its lead actors in a story that blends romance with social commentary.