The Divorcee - 1930

Prior to this film, Norma Shearer had primarily played very "proper," ladylike roles. She was eager to change her image and do parts that were more sensuous, so she launched a campaign to get the part of Jerry. MGM producers were skeptical - none more so than Irving Thalberg, who was also Shearer's husband. To convince him that she could handle a more "sexy" role, Shearer did a photo shoot with her posing provocatively in lingerie, and after seeing the pictures, Thalberg agreed to cast her. The decision paid off, as Shearer won Best Actress at the Academy Awards that year.

The listing for Robert Z. Leonard as "producer" is actually in lieu of a director's credit. At the time, instead of crediting its directors as such, MGM frequently listed their names as "A [blank] Production" on the same card as the main title. Leonard's actual function on this film was director, not producer.

"The Divorcee" is one of the few films made by actress Florence Eldridge, who plays Helen, that did not also feature her far more famous husband, actor Fredric March.

Shooting wrapped in only 22 days and surprisingly for MGM, there were no retakes.

Cast of The Divorcee

Norma Shearer Jerry Martin

Chester Morris Theodore 'Ted' Martin

Conrad Nagel Paul

Robert Montgomery Don

Florence Eldridge Helen Baldwin

Helene Millard Mary, Dot's sister

Robert Elliott Bill Baldwin

Mary Doran Janice Meredith

Tyler Brooke Hank

Zelda Sears Hannah, Jerry's maid

George Irving Dr. Bernard, Jerry's father

Judith Wood Dorothy 'Dot' (as Helen Johnson)