Pre-Code Confidential #2: The Strange Love of Molly Louvain (1932)

A series of posts where I take a look at some under the radar pre-code films that truly turn up the crime, sex, scandal, and sensationalism.

Ann Dvorak in a studio publicity shot

1932 was a remarkable year for Ann Dvorak. While under contract with Warner Brothers Studio, she starred in seven films, including the pre-code classics Scarface and Three on a Match. However, it was her third release that year, The Strange Love of Molly Louvain, that was the first to truly showcase her immense talent. Directed by Michael Curtiz (Robin Hood, Casablanca), Molly Louvain was Dvorak’s first significant starring role and marked her transition from supporting player to leading lady.

So, let me introduce you to Miss Louvain. Molly isn’t exactly from the wrong side of the tracks, but she’s no Fifth Avenue girl either. Abandoned by her mother as a child, Molly vows to have a good life and take care of any children she may have in the future—in short, not to be like her mother. However, keeping that promise proves difficult.

Molly at work at her with a smile on her face

Molly works at the local hotel and has managed to attract a very wealthy boyfriend, whose disapproving mother whisks him out of town to separate him from Molly. Unbeknownst to him Molly is expecting a bundle of joy in nine months.

Molly’s co-worker, Jimmy, a bellhop played by Richard Cromwell (Age of Consent, The Lives of a Bengal Lancer), is a genuinely good guy who is devoted to her. However, he is a bit too dull and conventional for Molly, and he just can't seem to measure up to her attraction to the wrong sorts of men.

Richard Cromwell as the sweet, but boring, Jimmy

Molly bypasses Jimmy and falls in with an obvious louse, the criminally adjacent Nicky Grant, played by Leslie Fenton. (Fenton and Dvorak actually married after