The Easiest Way (1931)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

Jack Conway

Writers:

Edith Ellis (adaptation)
Eugene Walter (play)

Release Date:

7 February 1931 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

Growing up in a poor working-class family, Laura decides not to marry the boy-next-door and instead accepts wealthy...

Plot Keywords:

Family Relationships | Advertising | Reporter | Mistress | Christmas

Cast

Constance Bennett	...	Laura 'Lolly' Murdock
Adolphe Menjou	...	William 'Will' Brockton
Robert Montgomery	...	Jack 'Johnny' Madison
Anita Page	...	Peg Murdock Feliki
Marjorie Rambeau	...	Elfie St. Clair, Brockton Model
J. Farrell MacDonald	...	Ben Murdock
Clara Blandick	...	Agnes 'Aggie' Murdock
Clark Gable	...	Nick Feliki, Laundryman

Runtime:

73 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Approved

Filming Locations:

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

The original play opened in New York on 19 December 1909.

Movie Connections:

Version of The Easiest Way (1917)

Soundtrack:

Silent Night, Holy Night

Pre-Code Soap Suds

A beautiful young model finds THE EASIEST WAY to support her needy family is to become a rich man's mistress -- until she falls in love with an energetic reporter.

This little film is strictly soap opera, but it's well presented and makes a pleasant diversion. The production values are good, especially in the opening sequence which reveals the inside of a tenement flat, and causes the viewer to appreciate the trouble MGM expended on even its small pictures.

Beautiful Constance Bennett is very convincing as a woman who frankly admits her moral standing -- until true love complicates everything. Urbane Adolphe Menjou, as the rich businessman who controls Bennett, is slightly more sympathetic than usual in a role he could probably have played in his sleep. And Robert Montgomery gives his patented friendly portrayal as the steadfast fellow who earnestly loves Bennett -- until he is told the truth of her situation.

A fine supporting cast helps the proceedings: tough-talking Marjorie Rambeau as an aging model out to squeeze every penny possible from the male animal; lazy J. Farrell MacDonald & careworn Clara Blandick as Bennett's poor parents; blonde Anita Page as Bennett's lively younger sister; and sturdy Clark Gable, as Page's laundryman boyfriend, who would eventually supplant Montgomery as MGM's favorite heartthrob.

Movie mavens will recognize jovial Dell Henderson and stately Hedda Hopper, both uncredited as Bennett's Colorado hosts.