Passion Flower
"A story of two women and the man they both loved!"
Plot
Wealthy socialite Dulce Morado (Kay Francis) is deeply connected to her cousin Katherine 'Cassy' Pringle (Kay Johnson), but their bond is tested when Cassy elopes with the family's rugged chauffeur, Dan Wallace (Charles Bickford). Disowned by her father, Cassy endures years of poverty in a cramped city attic while Dan struggles to provide for their two children. Eventually, Dan's pride breaks and he accepts a job on a ranch provided by Dulce and her husband Tony, leading to a proximity that sparks a forbidden and destructive affair between Dan and Dulce. As Tony's health fails and Cassy discovers the betrayal, the characters must navigate a web of class disparity, infidelity, and the search for genuine redemption.
About the Production
The film was a prestige production for MGM, based on the popular 1930 novel by Kathleen Norris which had previously been serialized in Delineator magazine. Director William C. deMille, the older brother of Cecil B. DeMille, was known for a more literate and subtle style than his sibling, though this film leaned heavily into the popular 'women's picture' melodrama of the era. Kay Francis was notably loaned out from Paramount to MGM for this production, a move that helped solidify her status as a top-tier dramatic actress. The production featured lavish sets by Cedric Gibbons and high-fashion gowns by Adrian, typical of the high production values associated with Irving Thalberg's tenure at MGM.
Historical Background
Released in late 1930, 'Passion Flower' arrived during the early years of the Great Depression, a time when audiences were particularly captivated by stories of class mobility and the struggles of the 'nouveau poor.' It also stands as a prime example of the 'Pre-Code' era (1930-1934), where Hollywood explored adult themes like infidelity, divorce, and social rebellion with a level of honesty that would soon be censored by the Hays Office. The film reflects the transition from silent cinema to 'talkies,' utilizing more sophisticated dialogue and sound techniques to convey emotional depth.
Why This Film Matters
The film is significant for its nuanced portrayal of the 'vamp' archetype; rather than making Dulce a one-dimensional villain, the script treats her as a fully rounded woman trapped in a loveless marriage. It contributed to the rise of the 'women's picture' genre, which centered female desire and domestic conflict. Additionally, it served as a pivotal stepping stone for Kay Francis, helping her transition from a supporting player to one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1930s known for her 'sophisticated' and 'tragic' persona.
Making Of
The production was managed under the watchful eye of Irving Thalberg, who saw the potential in Kathleen Norris's melodrama to appeal to female audiences. Director William C. deMille focused on the psychological tension between the two female leads rather than the spectacle his brother Cecil might have favored. Behind the scenes, Charles Bickford's temperament caused friction; he was a stage-trained actor who loathed the 'formulaic' nature of Hollywood scripts. Meanwhile, the costume department, led by Adrian, worked to contrast the 'rarefied boredom' of Kay Francis's wealthy character with the 'grit and determination' of Kay Johnson’s impoverished wife through their respective wardrobes.
Visual Style
Shot by the legendary Harold Rosson, the film features the soft-focus glamour lighting that became an MGM hallmark. Rosson used lighting to distinguish between the cold, stark reality of the city attic and the warm, lush environment of the Morado estate. The camera work is more fluid than many early talkies, avoiding the 'static' feel common in 1929-1930 productions.
Innovations
The film is noted for its early sound integration, moving away from the 'canned' sound of the first talkies. It also showcases the high-water mark of MGM's art direction and costume design integration, where the visual 'look' of a character was used as a primary storytelling device to indicate social standing and emotional state.
Music
The film features a synchronized orchestral score typical of early MGM sound features, though it does not have a standalone famous theme song. The sound design focuses heavily on the clarity of the 'literate' dialogue and the use of ambient sound to emphasize the contrast between the bustling city and the quiet ranch.
Famous Quotes
Dulce: 'No family? No money? What has he got that makes him such a prize?' Cassy: 'Dulce, he has everything!'
Dulce: 'I like Tony—he's square, upright—' Dan: 'And grand! That makes him three kinds of pianos!'
Cassy: 'If you ever want to come back to us, there is nothing I can't forgive and forget.'
Dulce: 'I'm glad I'm wearing good-looking underclothes... in case I'd fallen off that cliff!'
Memorable Scenes
- The confrontation scene where Cassy sees Dan and Dulce kissing through a glass door, leading to the collapse of her marriage.
- The poignant moment where young Tommy (Dickie Moore) consoles his crying mother, saying, 'I didn't think you ever cried.'
- The raucous party scene at Dulce's house where a letter from the suffering Cassy arrives, highlighting the moral vacuum of the socialite lifestyle.
Did You Know?
- This film marks the American screen debut of future Academy Award winner Ray Milland, who appears uncredited as a party guest.
- Charles Bickford was notoriously unhappy with the film, calling it 'melodramatic claptrap' in his autobiography; he had wanted to be loaned to RKO for 'Cimarron' instead.
- Kay Johnson and Kay Francis had a personal history; Johnson had reportedly once confessed to Francis that she was the love of her life, making their on-screen rivalry somewhat awkward.
- The film was one of the few collaborations between the two deMille brothers' respective 'types' of actors, as Bickford and Johnson had just starred in Cecil B. DeMille's 'Dynamite'.
- Child star Dickie Moore, who plays Tommy, was only four years old during filming and became one of the most beloved child actors of the 1930s.
- The film is a 'Pre-Code' drama, allowing for a franker depiction of adultery and marital dysfunction than would be permitted after 1934.
- Kay Francis's performance was so well-received that it encouraged Paramount to elevate her to solo stardom shortly thereafter.
- Despite being a 'second-rate' feature in terms of studio priority, it turned a significant profit of $138,000.
What Critics Said
At the time of its release, Variety was skeptical of Kay Francis's star potential, though Mordaunt Hall of The New York Times praised the ensemble cast while noting the film's melodramatic tendencies. Modern critics, such as those at Pre-Code.com, appreciate the film for its 'nicely honest take on marital dysfunction' and the 'sublime shots' provided by William C. deMille. While some find the plot predictable, the performances—particularly those of the two Kays—are generally regarded as superior to the material.
What Audiences Thought
The film was a commercial success, particularly with female audiences who were the primary demographic for Kathleen Norris's novels. It earned a respectable profit and was a 'palace' attraction in major cities, proving that the 'romantic triangle' formula remained a potent draw for 1930s moviegoers.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- The novels of Kathleen Norris
- Cecil B. DeMille's 'Dynamite' (1929)
This Film Influenced
- Back Street (1932)
- Transgression (1931)
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Film Restoration
The film is preserved and was released on DVD by the Warner Archive Collection in 2019.