The Divorce of Lady X Poster

The Divorce of Lady X 1938

★ 5.923 votes92 min📅 1938-01-15

"HE STOLE HER HEART SO SHE STOLE HIS PAJAMAS!"

In this sparkling pre-war comedy-romance from 1938, London barrister Robert (Laurence Olivier) finds himself tangled in an unexpected domestic mystery when his client's alleged errant wife turns out to be the very woman who spent the night in his hotel suite.

Director: Tim Whelan

Cast

Merle Oberon
Merle Oberon
Leslie Steele / Lady Claire Mere
Laurence Olivier
Laurence Olivier
Everard Logan
Binnie Barnes
Binnie Barnes
Lady Claire Mere
Ralph Richardson
Ralph Richardson
Lord Mere
Morton Selten
Morton Selten
Lord Steele
J.H. Roberts
J.H. Roberts
Slade
Gertrude Musgrove
Gertrude Musgrove
Saunders, the Maid
Gus McNaughton
Gus McNaughton
Room Service Waiter
H.B. Hallam
Jefferies, the Butler
Eileen Peel
Mrs. Johnson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Divorce of Lady X (1938) about?

When a London barrister wakes up to find an unfamiliar woman in his hotel suite, he assumes she's the unfaithful wife of his newest client. But as identities blur and feelings grow, he uncovers a romantic web far more tangled than any courtroom drama.

Who directed The Divorce of Lady X?

The Divorce of Lady X was directed by Tim Whelan, a British filmmaker known for his deft hand at blending comedy and romance in classic Hollywood style.

Who stars in The Divorce of Lady X?

The film stars Merle Oberon as the captivating Leslie, Laurence Olivier as the sharp barrister Robert, with Binnie Barnes, Ralph Richardson, and Morton Selten rounding out the ensemble.

Is The Divorce of Lady X (1938) worth watching?

With its clever dialogue, chemistry between Oberon and Olivier, and timeless comedic timing, The Divorce of Lady X offers a delightful escape into 1930s charm. Fans of screwball romances and witty period pieces will find plenty to enjoy here.

How long is The Divorce of Lady X?

The Divorce of Lady X runs for 92 minutes, perfect for a brisk, satisfying watch.

About The Divorce of Lady X (1938) — When Love and Law Collide in a Stolen Pajama Mystery

In this sparkling pre-war comedy-romance from 1938, London barrister Robert (Laurence Olivier) finds himself tangled in an unexpected domestic mystery when his client's alleged errant wife turns out to be the very woman who spent the night in his hotel suite. The bewitching Merle Oberon plays Leslie, a clever and audacious guest whose impromptu stay sets off a chain of mistaken identities, legal confusion, and romantic sparring that blurs the lines between client and confessor. Directed by Tim Whelan with a light yet polished touch, The Divorce of Lady X blends courtroom wit with bedroom farce, swirling in a champagne-bubble atmosphere of upper-class London where pajamas, reputations, and roses all become weapons of romance.

Beneath its velvety surface lies a playful meditation on love, law, and the slippery nature of truth—all served with a side of dry British humor. The film's breezy pacing and sharp repartee make it a time-capsule of 1930s sophistication, where a stolen pair of pajamas becomes the least scandalous thing in the room.