Bad Girl is a 1931 American pre-code drama film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Sally Eilers, James Dunn, and Minna Gombell. The screenplay was adapted by Edwin J. Burke from the 1928 novel by Viña Delmar and the 1930 play by Delmar and Brian Marlowe. The plot follows the courtship and marriage of two young, working-class people and the misunderstandings that result from their not having learned to trust each other. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Director.
Plot
Bad Girl is a 1931 American pre-code drama film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Sally Eilers, James Dunn, and Minna Gombell.
The plot revolves around the following key elements:
- The film follows the courtship and marriage of two young, working-class people, Mary (played by Sally Eilers) and Tom (played by James Dunn).
- The couple faces various challenges in their relationship, including the lack of trust between them.
- This mistrust leads to misunderstandings and conflicts in their marriage.
- The film explores the consequences of their actions and the impact on their relationship.
Cast
- Sally Eilers
- James Dunn
- Minna Gombell
Director: Frank Borzage
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 13, 1931
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 23, 2017
Themes
The film Bad Girl explores universal themes such as family, belonging, trust, and betrayal, which transcend cultural boundaries and remain relevant to audiences. These themes are depicted through the courtship and marriage of the two main characters, Mary and Tom, and the challenges they face in their relationship.
Reception
The film Bad Girl received critical acclaim and was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning for Best Director (Frank Borzage). The movie's portrayal of the complexities of a working-class marriage and the emotional depth of the characters resonated with both audiences and critics.
Settings
The film is set in an urban, working-class environment, reflecting the lives of the main characters, Mary and Tom. The setting plays a significant role in shaping the narrative and the characters' experiences.
Visual Styles and Techniques
Bad Girl is characterized by the visual style and techniques typical of films from the early 1930s. This may include the use of black and white cinematography, set design reflective of the period, and storytelling techniques prevalent in that era.
Trivia & Fun Facts
- The film is an adaptation of the 1928 novel by Viña Delmar and the 1930 play by Delmar and Brian Marlowe.
- Bad Girl was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Director (Frank Borzage).