The Common Law (film)

The Common Law is a 1931 American PreCode romantic drama film, directed by Paul L. Stein and produced by Charles R. Rogers. Based on Robert W. Chambers 1911 novel, this was the third time the book was made into a film, and the first during the talking film era. The sexual drama stars Constance Bennett and Joel McCrea in the title roles. It was received well both at the box office and by film critics, becoming one of RKOs most financially successful films of the year. The novel, The Common Law, had been filmed before in 1923 with Corinne Griffith starring.

Unbeknownst to Valerie, Neville is not truly a poor artist, being the son of a wealthy family from Tarrytown, New York. When Nevilles sister, Clare Collins, learns of the two living together out of wedlock in Paris, she decides to put an end to the relationship. She enlists a friend of her brothers, Sam, whom goes to Neville and tells him about Valeries past relationship with Carmedon. Unaware of the hypocrisy of his own actions, since he is living with Valerie in an identical relationship as she had with Carmedon, he becomes extremely jealous. Unable to cope with his jealousy, Valerie moves out.As the months go by, Neville runs into Valerie at a nightclub, where she is out with Querido. While Neville is again jealous, he hides it. Seeing him, Valerie understands her feelings about him and asks him to take her back, which he willingly does, shortly after which he asks her to marry him. She defers, wanting to make sure that their feelings for one another are for real before making that commitment. When Clare hears about their reconciliation, she informs Neville that their father is very ill, and asks that he return home. ........

Source: Wikipedia