One More River (1934) User Reviews (16)

Angst of a bygone era

[howardeisman · 7/10 · 28 January 2012]

This is a superior film, but its impact is attenuated by the great changes in social attitudes toward sex and divorce which have occurred since the time it was filmed. The conflicts and tensions in the story could only occur today in third world nations or very religious communities. Thus, most American viewers can wonder what all the excitement is about.

Diana Wynyard is a revelation. When the film began, she appeared a bit on the plain side. However, she became enchantingly beautiful as the movie progressed. Her soft, pleasant, kind features and the exquisite shape of her head and body impressed me more and more, as did her calm manner and then her assertive testimony in court.She became irresistible.

Universal gave this a veneer of a prestige production. It looked like it was shot in England, except that most of the English performers were already old Hollywood hands. Jane Wyatt wisely didn't try for an English accent. Whales' direction was seamless, but not as flashy as his more famous horror productions. He kept things moving briskly.

Highly superior soap

[marcslope · 8/10 · 23 March 2009]

Saw this as part of Cinefest 2009 in Syracuse, and it was a revelation. Not that it doesn't stir high expectations: a Galsworthy novel, adapted by playwright R.C. Sheriff (author of the great antiwar play "Journey's End"), directed with great assurance by James Whale, and with a near-amazing cast. As an abused high society wife trying to wrench free of her extremely nasty husband, Diana Wynyard is ladylike and touching. A very young Jane Wyatt is her confidante, Henry Stephenson is a helpful lawyer relative, and Frank Lawton is the appealing young man who falls in love with her. All are upstaged by Mrs. Patrick Campbell, a formidable presence bellowing every line with relish, and she It's remarkably adult for its day, with a modern attitude about adultery (our heroine doesn't, but the movie seems to believe she should). It's literate and fast-moving, and sandwiched between Whale's "The Invisible Man" and "The Bride of Frankenstein," it's one of several examples of how assured he was outside of the horror genre.

ONE MORE RIVER (James Whale, 1934) ***

[Bunuel1976 · 7/10 · 19 February 2011]

This is one of Whale's favorites among his own works (the director even gave himself an uncredited bit!) but which he only got Universal to bankroll by accepting to helm another fantasy project for them, the subsequently aborted "A Trip To Mars". Anyway, this obscurely-titled melodrama is based on John Galsworthy (best-known for "The Forsythe Saga")'s last novel – adapted by the equally distinguished R.C. Sheriff. It tells of the vicissitudes of a young wife (Diana Wynyard, fresh from an Oscar nomination for the previous year's Best Picture winner CAVALCADE), about to be divorced from her brutish husband (a brief but typically impressive turn from Whale regular Colin Clive), who unwittingly adds coal to the fire via her initially platonic relationship with a young man (Frank Lawton, soon to play his most notable role as the grown-up David COPPERFIELD [1935]). The narrative also has a strong political element to it, not just in view of the subplot involving the electoral climate (personified by Reginald Denny's newly-appointed MP), but in the heroine's emancipation from the rigid status quo pertaining to woman's role in society.

While undeniably dated, the film boasts splendid cinematography and sets (by BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN's John J. Mescall and Charles D. Hall respectively) – the latter would be memorably refurbished and re-used for the Mary Shelley prologue and the Baron's own abode in that very film…which rather suggests that the art director/set decorator's craft is not nearly appreciated enough! Apart from this, we get a truly remarkable supporting cast: lovely Jane Wyatt (as Wynyard's kid sister), C. Aubrey Smith (their father), Henry Stephenson (an uncle), the oddly-named Mrs. Patrick Campbell (hamming it up as his outspoken wife – apparently, she was like that in real-life too!), Lionel Atwill (the wily but pompous Prosecutor), Alan Mowbray (the defense counsel), Gilbert Emery (the genial Judge) and E.E. Clive (the other Clive's resourceful private detective).

Finally, the copy I acquired was sourced from an old TV broadcast off the U.K.'s Channel 4: despite a couple of intermissions for publicity spots(!), the quality is surprisingly adequate – much better, in fact, than that for most of the other Whales I have been watching lately.

Technically Impressive With Fine Performances

[Michael_Elliott · 3 September 2012]

One More River (1934)

*** (out of 4)

This James Whale directed melodrama is technically good and the performances are fine but I'd still rank it rather low in regards to the director's filmmography. A woman (Diana Wynyard) goes to England to try and escape her abusive husband (Colin Clive) and on the ship ride over has a nice man (Frank Lawton) fall in love with her. Even though her husband is abusive, she refuses to go any further with the new man and it doesn't take long for the husband to show up and cause trouble. ONE MORE RIVER was based on a very popular novel that of course had to be trimmed down for the big screen due to the production code going into full swing during this period. For the most part I thought the film featured some very good performances from its excellent cast and there's no question that it's rather impressive on a technical side. The biggest issue I had with the film was actually the pacing, which just seemed extremely slow to me and it really took forever for the film to finally pick up some speed. There's no question that the material is old-fashioned but this isn't the reason it goes so slow. Again, the best thing going are the performances with Wynyard really standing out as the abused woman trying to do what's right. Lawton is also good in his role as the man who loves her and Clive proves what a talent he was in just a few scenes. Jane Wyatt appears in his first role and we get good support from Reginald Denny, Henry Stephenson, Lionel Atwill and C. Aubrey Smith.

Good entertainment

[cluciano63 · 7/10 · 15 September 2012]

I enjoyed this film, but must be nearly alone in not particularly finding Diana Wynyard appealing in any real way, in her role as the unhappy, abused wife. Jane Wyatt on the other hand, as her sister, is sophisticated and lovely, very Myrna Loy.

Having read lots of books set in Edwardian England, I am familiar with the often ludicrous plots involved in setting up divorces and cases of criminal conversation. If you accept that the laws were limited and often ridiculous, you can overlook what seems so old-fashioned.

It is amusing to see Mrs. Patrick Campbell in action; she is a grand ham. The part of the abusive husband is a stereotype; he is oily and creepy and cruel. The new love is the opposite of course, charming and kind and gentle.

Overall a well-made film; just wish it had been made a year earlier before the draconian production code took over.

One More River review

[JoeytheBrit · 6/10 · 20 April 2020]

A woman finds herself sued for divorce by the brutish husband who beat her with a riding whip. The kind of situation that would be unthinkable today but which was probably considered to be quite saucy back in the 1930s, despite the terribly proper tone of R. C. Sheriff's screenplay. When Dana Wynyard and Frank Lawton both gaze beyond the camera, and he says, ever so matter-of-factly, "You realise, of course, that I love you," it's impossible not to laugh. It's a pleasant enough watch, but it's tone is inconsistent and often inappropriately humorous

A Brilliant James Whale Film

[joystar5879 · 10/10 · 5 December 2010]

This film, along with JOURNEY'S END, ranks as James Whale's best non horror film. Not only does he follow the Galsworthy book closely,trimming it down to a manageable length...he also navigates the brand new production code with ease. Where Whale really shines is his mastery at casting. He, more than any other director, "painted" with actors and actresses.

Every character was perfection: Whale knew these people very well, and it shows.

I have heard many times that ONE MORE RIVER was British made, but it wasn't. It was made at Universal Studios in California, and I think "Jimmy" would have been proud.

I won't give any plot details, because I don't want to risk spoilers...but I give "Full Marks" to the leading players: Colin Clive, as a superb "rotter" in an "Old School Tie",Diana Wynyard as his gentle wife, Jane Wyatt as Wynyard's younger sister and Frank Lawton as a friendly young man whose life is blasted by a society scandal. The whole film is a delight.

Decent...but could have been much better.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 3 December 2017]

"One More River" is a film that was adversely affected by the New Production Code. This is because the movie came out in 1934 instead of before, it would have been closer to the sordid novel. But because sadism was taboo now in movies, it was only alluded to and this, at times, made the story rather confusing.

The film begins with Claire (Diana Winyard) leaving a cruise ship. Along the way, she obtained a very fervent admirer, Tony (Frank Lawton). However, while she liked having him as a friend, she has just left her husband (Colin Clive) and was in no mood of beginning a love affair. And, through the story, Tony tries in vain to take their relationship to the next level.

The problem here is that when Claire returns to her father's home, she tells them that her husband was abusive. The whole sick sexual aspect of the violence was ignored. And, later, when the husband accuses Claire of having an affair with Tony, the reasons the wife left are NEVER discussed in court...something that really makes no sense.

So, despite this, is the film any good? Yes...mostly because the acting is so nice. Also, James Whale's direction and the cinematography were gorgeous. But with chunks of the original story missing, you can't help but wonder how good this MIGHT have been had it just been made the year before.

One More River 1934

[wastuder-933-321172 · 10/10 · 25 December 2010]

One More River was filmed on the Universal lot in California. Mr. Whale prepared a few background shots in England for the film. Miss Wynyard was contracted to MGM and lent to Universal for the film. The old Bailey set (where the divorce action is heard) was considered a marvel of set design. An uncredited Vera West did the gowns. Jane Wyatt became friends with Diana whilst filming and they both went horseback riding together. TCM will be finally showing it next year, although USA network ran it in 1983-84. Alan Mowbray and Lionel Atwill were the barristers and Mr. Whale is seen cheering the crowd when Reg Denny (David Dornford) wins his seat in parliament. Miss Wynyard never looked lovelier!

Society Changes *** for One More River

[edwagreen · 7/10 · 2 February 2012]

Since our society has changed drastically since 1934, the year this picture was made, the story-line here may be viewed by some as quite corny. When was the last time we heard the terms respondent and correspondent used in these situations?

A year after her acclaimed Oscar nominated performance for the year's best picture, "Cavalcade," Diana Wynyard stars in this film. She plays a woman returning home from England from Ceylon and shows bitterness towards her failing marriage.

On board the ship, she falls for Colin Clive, though he is a good deal younger than her. Her husband uses this man to start divorce proceedings against her.

The film showed that by 1934 standards, the man was usually in the right in these types of situations.

Perhaps, the film would have been better had it become a murder mystery.

Diana Wynyard is the Epitome of Elegance and Style!!

[kidboots · 10/10 · 7 June 2012]

"One More River" was the last novel in John Galsworthy's enormously popular series "The Forsyth Saga". Starting out in 1906 with "The Man of Property" it followed the fortunes of Soames and his passion for wealth and property. By the end of the series there was more focus on other branches of the family ie the Cherrells. In fact, if I can remember, in reading the book, Dinny Cherrell was one of the main characters. In the movie, however, the secondary plot of the Corvens takes centre stage. With Diana Wynyard and Colin Clive as the main stars, they give the movie a real dignity.

Claire Corven (Wynyard) returns to England from Ceylon where she has fled from her sadistic husband Gerald (Clive). Originally the film ran into censorship problems with the new Production code. There was a strong scene where the estranged wife was raped by her evil husband and it had to be totally edited out and re-shot. It was obviously the content and not James Whale's always tasteful direction that was the problem.

"One More River" was the last of a trio of books written in the thirties that saw the old established order slowly crumbling amidst social change. Aristocratic but warm Claire Corven returns to England to find herself in the midst of an election campaign where David Dornford (Reginald Denny) is the local member the gentry are placing high hopes on. Reflecting the uncertainty of the times is Tony Croom (Frank Lawton) who is worried about his lack of employment. Through Claire's uncle he is given a job to do with horses and while he desperately loves Claire, she is just pleased to rely on his friendship.

Even though Colin Clive's appearance is delayed, his dubious behaviour and horrific deeds are talked about almost from the beginning and it is Claire's hesitancy that makes him seem so vile. "A riding crop"!! - Claire's companions supply the shock, her father (C. Aubrey Smith) smashing his fist on the table and shouting "Bounder"!!! In fact, even though the rape scene isn't shown, Claire, regaining her composure with a cup of tea and Colin Clive's sneering mouth, the implications seem much nastier than if the original scene had been retained.

The last third of the film with it's majestic court setting, larger than life doors and extraordinary tall bookshelves give the scene a solemn appearance. Divorce was a very shocking and sometimes messy event in the early thirties, especially to the upper classes. The sets from court room, to village green to a London cafe were so authentic looking - all were re-constructed at Universal Studio, which was extraordinary and with the elegance and gloss could have passed for a British film any day.

Jane Wyatt was very memorable in her film debut as Dinny Cherrell and made you wonder why she didn't become a star. Diana Wynyard had charm and dignity and was perfect for this type of role. She made a few movies in Hollywood, none of them hits and that sent her back to England where she made a spellbinding Bella Maddern in the original version of "Gaslight".

What's the deal with Tony?

[kcfl-1 · 7/10 · 9 December 2017]

A previous reviewer described Claire Corven's "fellow passenger Tony Croom (as) a kind,caring man." Though he's a would-be boyfriend, Tony never seeks to have sex with her, confining himself to 3 chaste kisses over the course of their relationship.

When on the witness stand of her divorce proceedings, both firmly deny they ever did anything "improper." In the penultimate scene, when Claire's finally offers him sex, he flees in disgust (imagining her having sex with her estranged husband).

Does anyone else see Tony the way I do? In love with her, but eschewing sex, should we think of him as gay?

Two Months Too Late

[foucaultmichele · 9/10 · 9 January 2020]

This film was released 2 months too late. The code went into effect 1 July 1934. I'm sure there was footage of a more frank version, i.e. a more faithful to the book, than was ultimately released 6 August 1934. As it is, Mr. Whale did more than adequate with what he could release. My regret is, if there was more footage, it was was relegated to the dustbin of history long ago. The only saving grace is this wasn't an MGM movie. Not to speak ill of the dead, Mayer's heavy hand would have never considered optioning the book in the 1st place. I would rate this 10 out of 10 (5 out of 5? ... whatever) because Claire didn't want to reveal the full extent of Sir Gerald's abuse, not wanting to damage his career (!?), when he had no compunction of dragging her name in the mud. I don't know if this was faithful to the book or a nod to current mores (?) of the day. I very much, enjoyed 'One More River',

Beautiful film beautifully done; it IS dated and Code lessened it, but it's still well worth the view!

[mmipyle · 8/10 · 29 March 2021]

"One More River" (1934) stars Diana Wynyard, Frank Lawton, Colin Clive as top-liners, but the rest of the cast is stellar! Mrs. Patrick Campbell, C. Aubrey Smith, Jane Wyatt, Reginald Denny, Henry Stephenson, Lionel Atwill, Alan Mowbray, Kathleen Howard, Gilbert Emery, E. E. Clive, and the list just keeps on going. This Universal Studios produced film will have most thinking it was made in England, as most of the stars and even the sets are about as English as can be. Beautifully appointed and directed by James Whale, just after coming off of "The Invisible Man" and just prior to "Bride of Frankenstein", this was more of a diversion for Whale, yet he handles it with major aplomb. Many today will consider the theme of suit for divorce based on adultery rather tame, and this would have had even more of a jolt in 1934 had the Code not just gone into effect, but the finished product still has the ability to hold our attention. Wynyard had just come off of her nomination for Best Actress Oscar for "Cavalcade", but she's much better here, and her quiet, if not elegant, though stolid performance serves the part well. She's matched by the ruthless, somewhat fey, but catty nastiness of her film husband, Colin Clive, in a part that shows he had genuine talent that captured range. Frank Lawton, who passionately loves Wynyard, and who is accused of being the co-respondent in the case against Wynyard, is less well-suited, but effective enough.

Written by John Galsworthy, this was much more potent when first released as a novel, but Whale has whittled the novel down to 88 minutes of film, and he's done it very effectively. The film is talkative, but its pristine presentation still packs a punch. Gorgeous cinematography, good direction, fine acting all around - this is recommended highly actually, though many today will wonder what all the hoopla is about. In effect, the film is now dated, and because it lacks the buzz-buzz of so much activity on screen, the CGI, the crash and bang of today's typical hit, let's say it will play better to those looking for something, not cerebral, but soap-operaish in an old-fashioned way.

" I'll become the sky,and I'll become the sea,and the sea will come to kiss me,for I am going home."

[morrison-dylan-fan · 8/10 · 5 February 2015]

Originally planning to watch auteur film maker James Whale's 1936 title Show Boat in the run up to my 28th birthday,I noticed a post on IMDbs Classic Film board for an upcoming poll on the best titles of 1934,which led to me quickly changing course,and deciding to go down the river.

The plot:

Returning home on a ship from Ceylon, Claire Corven finds fellow passenger Tony Croom to be a kind,caring man,but decides to keep their relationship platonic,due to Claire deciding that she will put the abuse delivered by her husband Sir Gerald Corven to the side,so that she can campaign for him to win a seat as the Conservative Party MP in the upcoming general election.Whilst Claire tries to make the time that they spent together to fade away,Croom finds that he has fallen in love with Claire,and is desperate to see her again.

Meeting Gerald for the first time since her return,Claire is sadden to find that her husband has not changed over time,with Gerald being more focused on the election,then he is on discussing the problems in the marriage with his wife.Whilst she is out campaigning,Claire runs into Croom,who reveals his true feelings for her.Hurt by the painful relationship that she has experienced with Gerald,Claire tells Croom that she can not return his feelings to him.Celebrating his election victory,Gerald sets his sights on his next victory:Getting divorced from Claire.

View on the film:

Backed by Universal in exchange for him to next direct there Sci-Fi epic A Trip To Mars, (which ended up never taking off!)directing auteur (and cameo actor) James Whale burns down the glitz of Universal's California back lot,to transform the location into a lush English countryside.Closely working with cinematographer John J. Mescall and set designer Charles D. Hall, (whose sets would be re- used for the opening of Whale's Bride of Frankenstein)Whale cleverly uses ultra-stylised,side angle tracking shots to show the upper class surroundings of the Corven's.Continuing his exploration of class,Whale gives the Corven mansion and the court room high shots,that show the elite looking down on Claire & Tony.

Caught in the midst of the Hays Code, (which led to a filmed scene of Claire getting abused being deleted) writers William Hurlbut and R.C. Sheriff make their excellent adaptation of John Galsworthy's (who Whale had adapted with his debut title Journey's End)one which features some sly criticism against the Code,thanks to the writers making Gerald a member of the Conservatives (big C),who is shown to be desperate to show a clean,decent image to society,even though it is completely hollow.Along with the satirical attacks of Gerald,the writers release a gripping court room final,which also expresses an underlying theme of Claire & Tony being judged on their relationship.

Sailing back to Gerald and her family,the pretty Diana Wynyard gives a splendid performance as Claire Corven,with Wynyard giving Claire a real sense of determination in keeping the few things that she has in life from slipping from her fingers.Falling for Claire from the moment they meet, Frank Lawton gives a very good performance which allows for Tony's warmth for Claire to be felt,whilst Colin Clive gives a fantastic, nasty performance as upper crust cad Gerald,as they all sail down one more river.

Cited as James Whale's Best Non-Horror Film

[springfieldrental · 8/10 · 26 March 2023]

James Whale was known for his horror movies, including 1931's "Frankenstein," 1932's "The Old Dark House," and 1933's "The Invisible Man." As a former stage director, Whale harkened back to his live theatre days and tackled a subject that some considered foreboden in August 1934's "One More River," a film released just before his 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."

The adaptation of the John Galsworthy 1933's novel of the same name, Whale's "One More River" was the first to aggressively test the new Production Code Administration (PCA), led by Joseph Breen. A movie on a husband's sadism towards his wife in the middle of an abusive marriage could have passed the censors in the Pre-Code era, but was taboo during the Breen reign. Whale and his associates had difficulty getting the jest of Galsworthy's themes passed by the Hays Office that ran the PCA. But Whale subtly unfolded "One More River's" more unsavory moments that can be picked up by the observant viewer. Clare (Diana Wynyard) had decided to leave her abusive husband, Sir Gerald Corven (Colin Clive), and her home in Sri Lanka. On the way back to England on an ocean liner, Clare meets a sympathetic young man, Tony Croom (Frank Lawton). Her jealous husband discovers the platonic relationship between the two and tries to get even with her in a highly-publicized domestic trial.

Film historian William Everson labeled "One River More" Whale's masterpiece. "It is by far Hollywood's most successful attempt at putting any subject of England on the screen, not even excepting Cavalcade," he wrote. "It represents the fullest flowering of Whale's unique, richly theatrical yet wholly cinematic style."

Universal Pictures persuaded England's superstar lady of the stage, Mrs. Patrick Campbell, to play Lady Mont, a friend of Clare's, in one of her a handful of movies she appeared. Playwright George Bernard Shaw was a huge fan of Mrs. Campbell, and was so inspired by her acting he based a number of his plays on her. One work was Eliza Doolittle in his 1913 "Pygmalion," later remade into the stage musical and movie "My Fair Lady." Even though she was married, the two had a close friendship, which, judging by the letters he wrote to her, Shaw wanted their relationship to be even closer. Campbell, by all accounts, wasn't exactly enamored about being on the screen. The actress quipped about love making being shown to all by famously saying, "My dear, I don't care what they do, so long as they don't do it in the street and frighten the horses." Mrs. Campbell first arrived on the set requesting from Whales, "I would like to look like a woman called '(Greta) Garbo." When she saw her character on the screen, she retorted, "I look like a little chest of drawers."

"One More River" is also known as Jane Wyatt's film debut. The New Jersey-born and Manhattan-raised daughter of an investment banker, Wyatt possessed a love for the stage, attending apprentice school at the Berkshire Playhouse in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Wyatt easily made the transition from the Broadway stage to Hollywood as Dinny Charwell, sister of Clare. Famous for her appearances in films such as Frank Capra's 1937 "Lost Horizon" and 1947's "Gentleman's Agreement," she ran into a buzzsaw during the McCarthy hearings with her outspoken defense of the senator's targets. She is most remembered as Margaret Anderson in television's 'Father Knows Best' series.

"One More River" was a mediocre performer at the box office and has since been relegated just to those studying director Whale's body of work. But as historian William Everson noted, "Perhaps more than any other film currently available, it deserves 'Rediscovery.' "