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The Rich Are Always with Us1932 US Dir Alfred E Green Cast Ruth Chatterton, George Brent, Bette Davis, John Miljan, Adrienne Dore IMDb |
I had fallen in love with George during the filming of The Rich Are Always with Us, many years ago. He, in turn, fell in love with the star, Ruth Chatterton. They were married after the completion of the film and eventually were divorced. George fell in love with me during the filming of Dark Victory. During our romance, he gave me a charm bracelet with the letters B-E-T-T-E in diamonds. I was a little less enchanted when he said, as I was oohing and aahing over it, “I’m glad you have such a short name.”
-Bette Davis, in This ‘n That
Art imitates life or vice versa here, as Bette plays bubbly, scheming Malbro (seriously) chasing after novelist Julian who’s chasing after confused and heartbroken Caroline. Sort of a flimsy plot but far from the dud it was taken for in its time, as it fairly sparkles with wit and flirtation. Anyhow, it’s interesting if only for the actors and viewed with backstage passions in mind. Very much in spite of myself, George Brent is growing on me: yes, dull and doofy, manscaped George has won me over. It’s just possible I’ve only warmed to the reflection of him in the eyes of these two women, but no… He thrashes about and manhandles and gropes — ah, and then is so tender with — Ruth in a way I’ve never seen him do before… yes, George Brent has shown me something new, and I like it. They may not be remembered as the hottest couple in screen history, but they created a little steam in their time. And for the record, I dispute one IMDber’s claim that “she is costumed and made up in a highly unflattering way.” In smart suits by day and backless gowns by night, all designed by Orry-Kelly, this is downright glamorous. But then, I often get the feeling I see these films with different eyes than most others.
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I liked “The Rich are Always With Us”. The two
Comment by diane — 19 September 2008 @ 19 September 2008things I always remember about it are the
hauntingly beautiful theme song and Bette Davis’
name “Malborough”. The plot I thought was
irritating. There was such a big chance that she
would return to her “ne’er do well” husband. I
am a real pushover for George Brent - even though
he never plays particularly interesting characters
on the screen.