Possessed 1931
"How long will it last?"
Clarence Brown's 1931 melodrama *Possessed* dives into the glittering yet treacherous world of 1930s high society, where ambition and desire collide.
Director: Clarence Brown
Cast
Joan Crawford
Marian Martin aka 'Mrs. Moreland'
Clark Gable
Mark Whitney
Wallace Ford
Al Manning
Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher
Wally Stuart
Frank Conroy
Horace Travers
Marjorie White
Vernice LaVerne
John Miljan
John Driscoll
Clara Blandick
Mrs. Martin
Wade Boteler
'Answer That One' Heckler (uncredited)
Gino Corrado
Signor Martini - Party Guest (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Possessed (1931) about?
Joan Crawford plays Marion, a factory worker who longs to escape her modest life with the help of Mark Whitney, a powerful lawyer. Their affair offers her wealth and glamour, but Marion soon realizes his affection comes with strings attached—specifically, no marriage in sight.
Who directed Possessed?
Clarence Brown directed *Possessed*, a filmmaker known for his ability to blend emotional depth with striking visuals in 1930s melodramas.
Who stars in Possessed?
The film features Joan Crawford and Clark Gable in the lead roles, supported by Wallace Ford, Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher, and Frank Conroy.
Is Possessed (1931) worth watching?
While it doesn't have an IMDb rating, *Possessed* is a compelling classic with strong performances from Crawford and Gable, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of 1930s drama and romance.
How long is Possessed?
The runtime of *Possessed* is 76 minutes.
About Possessed (1931) — Joan Crawford's electrifying dive into love and sacrifice
Clarence Brown's 1931 melodrama *Possessed* dives into the glittering yet treacherous world of 1930s high society, where ambition and desire collide. Joan Crawford stars as Marion, a determined factory worker who trades the relentless rhythm of the assembly line for the intoxicating allure of a penthouse lifestyle. But beneath the shimmering surface of luxury lies a gnawing emptiness—wealthy lawyer Mark Whitney (Clark Gable) offers her everything she craves, except the one thing she truly wants: a ring on her finger. As Marion's dreams of love and respect blur with reality, the film pulses with emotional intensity, exploring themes of sacrifice, class struggle, and the price of chasing social ascension.
Crawford's magnetic performance anchors this classic drama, delivering a raw, heartfelt portrayal of a woman caught between aspiration and heartbreak. With its sumptuous Art Deco-inspired sets and sharp dialogue, *Possessed (1931)* captures the era's contradictions—opulence masking desperation, and freedom dangling just out of reach.
