Ex-Lady 1933
"So frank . . so outspoken... so true..."
Dive into the spirited romantic comedy *Ex-Lady* (1933), directed by Robert Florey, where independent-thinking artist Helen Bauer (Bette Davis) embraces modern ideals by defying traditional marriage—until her husband's infidelities push her to seek solace elsewhere.
Director: Robert Florey
Cast
Bette Davis
Helen Bauer
Gene Raymond
Don Peterson
Frank McHugh
Hugo Van Hugh
Monroe Owsley
Nick Malvyn
Claire Dodd
Iris Van Hugh
Kay Strozzi
Peggy Smith
Ferdinand Gottschalk
Mr. Herbert Smith
Alphonse Ethier
Mr. Adolphe Bauer - Helen's Father
Bodil Rosing
Mrs. Bauer - Helen's Mother
George Beranger
Dinner Guest / Pianist (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ex-Lady (1933) about?
*Ex-Lady* follows Helen Bauer, a free-spirited New York artist who agrees to marry her charming but unreliable love interest—only to discover his wandering eye. Disillusioned, she embraces a lifestyle of independence, testing the boundaries of commitment in a society still clinging to old-fashioned norms. The film blends romance with sharp social commentary, all wrapped in the snappy dialogue of pre-Code Hollywood.
Who directed Ex-Lady?
Robert Florey, a director known for his inventive and often experimental approach to early sound cinema, helmed *Ex-Lady*. His work here reflects the bold, unfiltered storytelling that defined the pre-Code era.
Who stars in Ex-Lady?
The film stars Bette Davis as the spirited Helen Bauer, alongside Gene Raymond as her love interest Don, with Frank McHugh, Monroe Owsley, and Claire Dodd rounding out the cast.
Is Ex-Lady (1933) worth watching?
While *Ex-Lady* doesn't boast a modern IMDb rating, its charm lies in its historical significance and Bette Davis's magnetic performance. Fans of pre-Code romance with a rebellious edge will find plenty to enjoy, even if the film occasionally stumbles under the weight of its era's conventions.
How long is Ex-Lady?
*Ex-Lady* runs for 67 minutes, making it a perfect bite-sized classic for a lazy afternoon of vintage cinema.
About Ex-Lady (1933) — Bette Davis in a Pre-Code Romantic Rebellion
Dive into the spirited romantic comedy *Ex-Lady* (1933), directed by Robert Florey, where independent-thinking artist Helen Bauer (Bette Davis) embraces modern ideals by defying traditional marriage—until her husband's infidelities push her to seek solace elsewhere. This breezy pre-Code classic blends sharp wit with the unapologetic energy of early 1930s cinema, capturing the tension between freedom and fidelity in a society on the cusp of change. Set against the backdrop of New York's vibrant social scene, the film contrasts Helen's bohemian lifestyle with the rigid expectations of 1930s America, making it a fascinating snapshot of its era.
With Bette Davis delivering a charismatic performance as a woman unwilling to compromise her principles, *Ex-Lady* offers a playful yet thought-provoking exploration of love, trust, and personal agency. The chemistry between Davis and Gene Raymond crackles in this 67-minute romp through romance and rebellion, leaving audiences to question whether modern ideals truly liberate—or merely complicate—the pursuit of happiness.
