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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 674

The Divorcee

193084 minUnited States
DramaComedyRomance
Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
English
This copy runs
81:58
Subtitles
No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Robert Z. Leonard · Public domain

Synopsis

Jerry discovers that her husband has been unfaithful and challenges his claim that the affair meant nothing. When she applies his own standard to herself, the marriage breaks apart. New relationships offer possible escapes, but they also force her to reconsider the difference between independence, retaliation and the life she actually wants.

Cast

DirectorsRobert Z. Leonard

Inspirations

The screenplay is based on Ursula Parrott's novel Ex-Wife. Its conflict turns on a sexual double standard that the characters are willing to excuse in a husband but not in a wife.

Reception and legacy

Norma Shearer won the Academy Award for her performance. The film also received nominations for picture, direction and writing.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film referenceWikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 12, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

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