Westward Passage

Westward Passage is a 1932 American pre-Code drama film directed by Robert Milton and starring Ann Harding, Laurence Olivier, ZaSu Pitts and Irving Pichel.[2] The screenplay concerns a woman who falls in love and marries, but soon discovers how unpleasant her new husband is.[3] The film marked Olivier's second major role in the United States. It was not a commercial or critical success, and Olivier did not make another film in America until 1939 when he starred in Wuthering Heights. The film recorded a loss of $250,000.[4]

Westward Passage
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRobert Milton
Produced byDavid O. Selznick
Harry Joe Brown (associate)
Screenplay byBradley King
Humphrey Pearson
Based onthe novel Westward Passage
by Margaret Ayer Barnes
StarringAnn Harding
Laurence Olivier
ZaSu Pitts
Irving Pichel
Music byMax Steiner
CinematographyLucian Andriot
Edited byCharles Craft
Production
company
Release date
  • May 27, 1932 (1932-05-27) (US)[1]
Running time
73 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

Newlyweds Olivia and Nick Allen struggle to keep their relationship afloat through personal disagreements. Nick lacks recognition for his works as an independent writer; hence, he is unable to support Olivia and their young daughter. These difficulties eventually lead to a divorce, the last they will see each other for many years. Six years after their divorce, Olivia lives a stable life with her husband, Harry Ottendorf, and her daughter, Little Olivia. Meanwhile, Nick has made a successful and rewarding career in writing but still yearns to be with Olivia. When the two board the same ship returning from Europe to the United States, Olivia is torn between the love of her kindly husband and the attempt by her former husband to rekindle the passion they once shared.

Cast

(cast list as per AFI database)[1]

Reception

The film was considered a commercial failure, despite its relative popularity. Adapted from Margaret Ayer Barnes' novel Westward Passage, the film was criticized for its lack of logical progression and thematic development[5] when compared to the novel. Olivier's brash delivery and mannerisms garnered mixed reviews, and the critical reception largely delayed the mainstream success Olivier would garner in later films. Some believed that poor dialogue hindered the development and likability of essential characters, including Olivia Ottendorf. Others added Westward Passage to their list of empowering and emotional Ann Harding films.[6]

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References
  1. "Westward Passage: Detail View". American Film Institute. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  2. Westward Passage profile, imdb.com; accessed July 22, 2015.
  3. Westward Passage profile, ftvdb.bfi.org.uk; accessed July 22, 2015.
  4. Richard Jewell & Vernon Harbin, The RKO Story. New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House, 1982. p49
  5. The Women's University Club. Motion Picture Reviews (1932). Media History Digital Library. Los Angeles, The Women's University Club.
  6. Modern Screen (Dec 1931-Nov 1932). MBRS Library of Congress. Syndicate Publishing Company, inc. December 1931.CS1 maint: others (link)


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