Transgression (1931 film)

Transgression is a 1931 PreCode American drama film directed by Herbert Brenon, using a screenplay written by Elizabeth Meehan, adapted from Kate Jordans 1921 novel, The Next Corner. The film stars Kay Francis on loan from Paramount, Paul Cavanagh on loan from Fox, and Ricardo Cortez, and deals with the romantic entanglements of a wealthy English businessman, his wife and a Spanish nobleman.

Required to travel to India for a year to oversee financial matters, English businessman Robert Maury Paul Cavanagh is in a quandary regarding his young wife. His older sister, Honora Nance ONeil, suggest that he leave her at their country estate, where she can keep an eye on her. But his wife, Elsie Kay Francis, is fearful of the boredom which may set in if she were to remain on the isolated property. Maury gives in to his wifes fears, and decides to allow her to move to Paris for the duration of his time on the subcontinent.In Paris, she falls under the guidance of the sophisticated Paula Vrain Doris Lloyd, who begins to teach her how to fit into the decadent Parisian lifestyle. She quickly assimilates to her surroundings, and begins to attract attention from the men in her social sphere. One in particular, a Spanish nobleman named Don Arturo de Borgus Ricardo Cortez, begins to pay her special attention. Elsie struggles to keep the relationship platonic, and as her husbands yearlong absence draws to a close, she decides that the temptation has become too great. With Maurys return imminent, Elsie is convinced to attend one last party by Paula, who unbeknownst to Elsie is working on Don Arturos behalf. At the party the Spanish nobleman gives Elsies seduction one lastditch attempt. And it is beginning to work. Arturo invites Elsie to spend the weekend at his estate in Spain. She is considering the offer when Maury shows up unexpectedly. He is dismayed by the changes in his wife. He had left an innocent behind, and now he has come back to a sophisticated, jaded woman. His dismay, coupled with their yearlong separation, causes him to act cool towards her. It is this coolness which makes up her mind. When Maury requests that she return to England with him the next day, she defers, saying she wants to stay behind to say goodbye to the friends she has made while in Paris. ........

Source: Wikipedia