The French film, "The Rules of the Game" (1939) was a racy French film about the wacky indiscretions of the upper-class. While rather adult, such films were common in American films during the so-called 'Pre-Code Era'. This is the period leading up until about the middle of 1934 (especially during 1931-34) when topics such as adultery, premarital sex and even a bit of nudity were tolerated and even, occasionally, celebrated in movies. This might surprise many viewers today, but the 30s were not nearly as sexless and restrained as we now imagine.
"Easy to Love" is clearly an example of a Pre-Code film, as its theme is the joys of adultery. Practically everyone in the film is sleeping with someone else or at least wants to. Even the normally effeminate Edward Everett Horton gets in on the action in this one! It begins with Genevieve Tobin and Adolph Menjou apparently happily married. However, Menjou is carrying on an affair with Mary Astor. And, while they haven't yet done the deed, Horton is actively wooing Tobin. And so, when Tobin discovers her husband's affair, she cleverly (and very broadmindedly) decides to encourage Horton and pretend to be having an affair of her own. As a result, Menjou suddenly is VERY interested in his wife! While adult, the film is a nice look at the double-. In other words, while it's supposedly okay for Menjou to step out, he becomes incensed when his wife proposes to do the same. And, as a result, despite its strong Pre-Code feel, it's actually a film that upholds some positive values. That's because while it talks about adultery and even makes light of it, it has something profound to say at the same time--well, at least in part. That's because while the film seems to say that adultery is bad, it also seems to say women should be forgiving and this is not a reason for divorce, as that is what the couple's daughter seems to think. She apparently knew about her dad's affairs for years and think they should just 'get past all that'. An odd mixed message but a relatively funny movie at the same time that IS worth watching.
"Easy to Love" is clearly an example of a Pre-Code film, as its theme is the joys of adultery. Practically everyone in the film is sleeping with someone else or at least wants to. Even the normally effeminate Edward Everett Horton gets in on the action in this one! It begins with Genevieve Tobin and Adolph Menjou apparently happily married. However, Menjou is carrying on an affair with Mary Astor. And, while they haven't yet done the deed, Horton is actively wooing Tobin. And so, when Tobin discovers her husband's affair, she cleverly (and very broadmindedly) decides to encourage Horton and pretend to be having an affair of her own. As a result, Menjou suddenly is VERY interested in his wife! While adult, the film is a nice look at the double-. In other words, while it's supposedly okay for Menjou to step out, he becomes incensed when his wife proposes to do the same. And, as a result, despite its strong Pre-Code feel, it's actually a film that upholds some positive values. That's because while it talks about adultery and even makes light of it, it has something profound to say at the same time--well, at least in part. That's because while the film seems to say that adultery is bad, it also seems to say women should be forgiving and this is not a reason for divorce, as that is what the couple's daughter seems to think. She apparently knew about her dad's affairs for years and think they should just 'get past all that'. An odd mixed message but a relatively funny movie at the same time that IS worth watching.