THE SILVER CORD (1933)

 

THE SILVER CORD is one of my favorite films from the 1930's pre-code era. I first saw it quite a few years ago when I still had Turner Classic Movies. It's not available on any commercial DVD or Blu-ray release in the US, but it can be found from online sellers that make bootleg copies from television or VHS tapes. My copy is quite watchable. The film is based on Sydney Howard's 1926 play of the same name. John Cromwell, who directed the play, was brought in by RKO to direct the film also. Distinguished actress Laura Hope Crews repeated her stage role as Mrs. Phelps, the overly possessive mother who tries to manipulate her two adult sons. The play was considered controversial for its critical attitude toward motherly love.

The story opens in Heidelburg, Germany. Biologist Christina Phelps (Irene Dunne) is working on an experiment in her laboratory. Her husband of a few months, Dave (Joel McCrea), comes into the lab to tell his wife about a good job offer he's received from an architectural firm in New York. Christina is pleased and tells Dave that she can continue her work in New York as well. They make plans to return to America.

One big unhappy family. Eric Linden, Francis Dee, Laura Hope Crews, Irene Dunne, Joel McCrea

Upon arrival at Dave's childhood home, Christina is introduced to her new brother-in-law, Robert (Eric Linden), and his fiancé, Hester (Frances Dee). The two couples are enjoying getting acquainted. 

And then Mother shows up.

If one word was needed to describe Mrs. Phelps, it would be "fluttery". The lady appears to have emerged right out of the nineteenth century. Upon entering the house, having seen the car Dave and his wife drove up in, Mrs. Phelps flutters around with breathless enthusiasm, calling her son's name. "Dave! Dave Boy! Where are you? It's Mother!!" After finally latching on to Dave Boy, remarking about how bad he looks, Mrs. Phelps is introduced to Christina. Mrs. Phelps is friendly to her new daughter-in-law, describing her to Dave as "splendid". But when the two women sit down for tea and conversation, Mrs. Phelps expresses regret that Christina and Dave plan to live and work in New York City. Mrs. Phelps, who owns several acres near her rural home, had dreamed of Dave's taking charge of developing the property while living in his mother's home, "with a complete love to sustain him", meaning a mother's love, of course. She accuses Christina of trying to take her son away from her. 

Having successfully interjected herself into Dave's marriage, Mrs. Phelps then goes to work on her younger son's engagement. Conferring with Rob alone, she manages to convince him that he doesn't really love Hester and Hester doesn't love him. Soon after, Rob breaks his engagement to Hester and the young woman becomes hysterical. Christina comforts her. These pleasant family interactions take place on the first night of Christina and Dave's visit. On the second day, Christina confronts her mother-in-law in an attempt to save her marriage.

Mother managing her sons. 

I don't want to give away too many plot details, because there are some important surprises as well as some splendid dialogue and characterizations. I don't know how closely the film follows the play, but the film makes Christina the central character of the story. She is the voice of the modern woman, one who is educated and career minded, but still wanting a happy marriage and family life. As played by top-billed Irene Dunne, one of the most popular stars of the sound era, she emerges as the sensible heroine who saves her husband from a cloying, dominating mother. To me, however, the marvelous Laura Hope Crews makes Mrs. Phelps the most fascinating character in the story. She makes this determined woman into a genteel monster, a woman who covers the knife with sugar as she happily plunges it into a person's chest. Crews laces her deviousness with a sly, sophisticated humor. A less gifted actress might have broadened the humor and turned the story into a drawing room comedy. Crews applies just the right touch. Mrs. Phelps seems unable to realize just how pathetic she is for wanting to keep her grown sons clutched to her bosom. She manipulates every situation to make herself look like the victim. After causing the breakup of Hester and Rob's engagement, the distraught Hester tries to call a taxi to take her to a hotel. Mrs. Phelps, concerned about appearances, rips the telephone cord right out of the wall. She says to Hester, with great indignation, "You are the only person who has ever caused me to do an undignified thing! I shall not forget." 

Laura Hope Crews and Eric Linden share an uncomfortable moment.

The film is mostly confined to the house, although there is some dramatic action that takes the camera outside. I don't find this film slow or static in any way. The dialogue comes along fast and furious and all of the performances are well done. In spite of the depressing nature of this domestic situation, there was a happy real-life outcome. Joel McCrea and Francis Dee fell in love during the filming and were married soon after. Their marriage lasted fifty-seven years, until McCrea's death.