Philip Moeller directed The Age of Innocence, the first sound version of Edith Wharton‘s 1920 novel of the same title, set in the upper circles of New York society of the 1870s.
Grade: B-
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At his engagement party, the wealthy Newland Archer (John Boles) is surprised to meet his childhood friend Ellen (Irene Dunne), who’s now Countess Olenska.
The cousin of his fiancee May (Julie Haydon), Olenska is considered to be scandalous by the rigid mores society of the time. Newland, however, treats her well and sends her two dozen yellow roses.
Things change, when Olenska turns to Newland for advice about a possible divorce.
This condemsed version of the novel, which claims a short running time of 81 minutes, was a box-office disappointment.
John Boles, a popular leading man in the late 1920s and 1930s, is perhaps best known for playing Stanwick’s refined and sensitive husband in the 1937 melodrama, Stella Dallas.
Director Philip Moeller
Though prolific as a stage director, Philip Moeller had helmed only two films, this one, and the 1935 Break of Hearts, with Katharine Hepburn. Both pitcures failed to fimd appreciatve viewers.
Cast
Irene Dunne as Countess Ellen Olenska
John Boles as Newland Archer
Lionel Atwill as Julius Beaufort
Helen Westley as Granny Manson Mingott
Laura Hope Crews as Augusta Welland
Julie Haydon as May Welland
Herbert Yost as Howard Welland
Theresa Maxwell Conover as Mrs Archer
Edith Van Cleve as Jane Archer
Leonard Carey as Jasper, the Butler
Credits:
RKO Radio Pictures
Directed by Philip Moeller
Produced by Pandro S. Berman
Novel written by Edith Wharton in 1920
Play by Margaret Ayer Barnes in 1928
Screenplay by Sarah Y. Mason and Victor Heerman
Music by Max Steiner (uncredited)
Cinematography: James Van Trees
Edited by George Hively
Release date: September 14, 1934
Running time: 81 minutes
