Although the British upper class may be thought our betters in society, but they are certainly not our betters, and perhaps our equals, in morality.Although the British upper class may be thought our betters in society, but they are certainly not our betters, and perhaps our equals, in morality.Although the British upper class may be thought our betters in society, but they are certainly not our betters, and perhaps our equals, in morality.
- Duchess
- (as Violet Kemble-Cooper)
- Mrs. Saunders
- (scenes deleted)
- Mr. Saunders
- (scenes deleted)
- Diana - George's Mistress
- (uncredited)
- Lady Helen
- (uncredited)
- Duchess of Hightower
- (uncredited)
- Ernest
- (uncredited)
- Little Boy
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaElsa Maxwell was brought in as technical advisor for this film because of her vast experience in hosting events for royalty and high society. She also assisted Hattie Carnegie in the designs for the evening gowns worn by the principle actresses.
- GoofsAlthough Bessie is supposed to be from New York, Anita Louise inexplicably plays her with an affected British accent.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Minnie, Duchess of Sourae: You know, you're very naughty sometimes, Pearl, but you have a good heart and I can't help being fond of you.
Lady Pearl Saunders Grayston: Minnie!
Minnie, Duchess of Sourae: Pearl!
[they embrace]
Ernest: Ah! What an exquisite spectacle! Two ladies of title, kissing one another!
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Celluloid Closet (1995)
- SoundtracksThe Wedding March
(1843) (uncredited)
from "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61"
Written by Felix Mendelssohn
Played by an offscreen organ during the wedding
Best of all is Constance Bennett, a luminous presence in the movies of those days that was at the height of her popularity when "Our Betters" was made. Ms. Bennett had a beautiful figure and she could act. In the film she plays Lady Pearl Grayston, an American living in London.
The other extraordinary performance is given by Violet Kemble, who as Minnie, the Duchess of Surae, shows quite a range as the silly old woman in love with a young playboy. Ms. Kemble is enormously funny at one point, then, when she discovers her Pepi's infidelity, she is quite crossed with her hostess for taking such a step right in front of her.
The others in the cast are quite good. Phoebe Foster, the gorgeous Anita Louise, Gilbert Roland, Alan Mowbray, and in an over the top performance in the last sequence by Tyrell Davis who, as a flighty Ernest, shows up made up and with all the best intentions to make the Duchess learn how to dance the tango.
A delightful comedy thanks to Mr. Maughan and Mr. Cukor.
- jotix100
- Aug 30, 2005
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- W. Somerset Maugham's Our Betters
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 23 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1