The Rich Are Always with Us (1932)

The Rich Are Always with Us Poster

A wealthy couple's marriage is falling apart due to the man's infidelity. The wife's male friend has long loved her and sees his big opportunity.

Film Overview
"The Rich Are Always with Us" is a 1932 romantic drama film directed by Alfred E. Green and composed by Austin Parker and Howard J. Green. Based on the novel by Ethel Pettit, the movie stars Ruth Chatterton, George Brent, and Bette Davis in her very first significant role. The movie revolves around the trials, adversities, and romantic entanglements of the Manhattan high society.

Plot Summary
The movie starts with Caroline Grannard, a rich socialite married to publishing magnate Greg Grannard, controlled by her charitable ventures and social activities. Caroline hosts a charity function at her residence, where she meets Julian Tierney, a diplomatic attaché from a war-torn European country. Julian impresses Caroline with his charm and passion for assisting his country, which leads Caroline to take interest in fundraising for his cause.

In the exact same event, Caroline's friend Allison Adair, an aspiring novelist, presents her to her editor, Greg. Soon an enthusiastic, albeit uncomfortable, romance flowers between Allison and Greg, causing an extra-marital affair. Caroline, preoccupied with her charity work and accidentally blind towards her husband's affair, encourages Allison to spend more time with her and her partner.

Romantic Intricacies and Troubles
While Julian satisfies Caroline regularly under the property of charity work, he falls truly in love with her. Julian's genuine adoration for her stirs long-repressed emotions in Caroline. Simultaneously, the affair in between Greg and Allison ends up being more intense, resulting in Greg expressing his intent to divorce Caroline and marry Allison.

Caroline, ravaged but unbroken, chooses to grant the divorce, in spite of still loving Greg. Julian, viewing this as his golden possibility, admits his love towards Caroline, resulting in another complex psychological triangle.

The Resolution
News breaks out about an abrupt political turmoil in Julian's nation, leading him to choose to return house and help his individuals. Prior to leaving, Julian proposes to Caroline, who gracefully decreases, realizing that while they share a deep connection, she doesn't truly enjoy him.

Back at home, Gregory, feeling guilty and remorseful, confesses his affair to Caroline, anticipating her to be deeply harmed. Still, Caroline surprises him by revealing that she currently knows about the affair. A wholehearted conversation takes place where Caroline confesses that she had been neglectful of their relationship. Acknowledging their love for each other, they reconcile.

Gregory uses a heartbroken Allison a publishing agreement, hence assisting her recognize her dreams as an author. On the other hand, Allison, realizing she still can not take on Caroline for Greg's heart, accepts a Paris gig for her very first book's publicity. The film ends on a heartfelt note with Caroline and Gregory declare their love for each other.

Conclusion
"The Rich Are Always with Us" is a traditional tale of love, betrayal, and reconciliation. It shows the period's social standards, worths, and ideas of love through the experiences of its characters. Regardless of its concentrate on the wealthy class, it handles to depict the universal human feelings of love, jealousy, and forgiveness, making it an engaging drama.

Top Cast

  • Ruth Chatterton (small)
    Ruth Chatterton
    Caroline Van Dyke Grannard
  • George Brent (small)
    George Brent
    Julian Tierney
  • Bette Davis (small)
    Bette Davis
    Malbro
  • John Miljan (small)
    John Miljan
    Greg Grannard
  • Adrienne Dore (small)
    Adrienne Dore
    Allison Adair Grannard
  • John Wray (small)
    John Wray
    Clark Davis
  • Robert Warwick (small)
    Robert Warwick
    The Doctor
  • Walter Walker (small)
    Walter Walker
    Dante
  • Virginia Hammond (small)
    Virginia Hammond
    Flo
  • Berton Churchill (small)
    Berton Churchill
    Judge Bradshaw
  • Edith Allen
    First Gossiper in 1900 (uncredited)