1930s divorce ranches before no-fault divorce existed? Absolute chaos.
Felicia Brett is married to Alexander W. Brett, a bullying and unfaithful man who openly flaunts his affair with Rita. Pushed to her limit, Felicia travels to Reno, Nevada, to establish residency and file for divorce. While in Reno, Felicia encounters her old childhood flame, Dick Belden. Alexander, desperate to avoid a settlement and gain sole custody of their young son Bobby, follows Felicia to Reno. He attempts to manufacture evidence of adultery by trapping Felicia in a compromising situation with Dick. Alexander initially succeeds in using this falsified evidence to take custody of Bobby. However, the story reaches a melodramatic conclusion when Alexander is killed in a sudden avalanche. Because the divorce had not yet been finalized, Felicia becomes Alexander's widow rather than his ex-wife, which grants her both her son and the freedom to marry Dick.
Production
Reno as 'divorce capital'—wild real-world premise.
Acting
Ruth Roland's silent-era chops vs. early talkie awkwardness.
Director
George Crone
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Reno's 'divorce ranches' were real—wealthy women paid to live at dude ranches while meeting residency requirements. The film barely exaggerates.
Ruth Roland was a huge silent serial queen; this talkie basically ended her starring career. The medium ate her alive.
US
