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Westward Passage
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox film
| name = Westward Passage
| image = Westward_Passage_Poster.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Robert Milton
| producer = David O. Selznick
Harry Joe Brown (associate)
| writer =
| screenplay = Bradley King
Humphrey Pearson
| story =
| based_on =
| starring = Ann Harding
Laurence Olivier
ZaSu Pitts
Irving Pichel
| narrator =
| music = Max Steiner
| cinematography = Lucian Andriot
| editing = Charles Craft
| studio = RKO Radio Pictures
| distributor =
| released =
| runtime = 73 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
}}
'Westward Passage' is a 1932 American pre-Code drama film directed by Robert Milton and starring Ann Harding, Laurence Olivier, ZaSu Pitts and Irving Pichel.[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023684 'Westward Passage' profile], imdb.com; accessed July 22, 2015. The screenplay concerns a woman who falls in love and marries, but soon discovers how unpleasant her new husband is.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090205061059/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/57559 'Westward Passage' profile], ftvdb.bfi.org.uk; accessed July 22, 2015. The film marked Olivier's second major role in the United States. It was not a commercial or critical success, and Olivier did not make another film in America until 1939 when he starred in 'Wuthering Heights'. The film recorded a loss of $250,000.Richard Jewell & Vernon Harbin, 'The RKO Story.' New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House, 1982. p49
Plot
Newlyweds Olivia and Nick Allen struggle to keep their relationship afloat through personal disagreements. Nick lacks recognition for his works as an independent writer; hence, he is unable to support Olivia and their young daughter. These difficulties eventually lead to a divorce, the last they will see each other for many years. Six years after their divorce, Olivia lives a stable life with her husband, Harry Ottendorf, and her daughter, Little Olivia. Meanwhile, Nick has made a successful and rewarding career in writing but still yearns to be with Olivia. When the two board the same ship returning from Europe to the United States, Olivia is torn between the love of her kindly husband and the attempt by her former husband to rekindle the passion they once shared.
Cast
* Ann Harding as Olivia Allen Ottendorf
* Laurence Olivier as Nick Allen
* ZaSu Pitts as Mrs. Truesdale
* Irving Pichel as Harry Ottendorf
* Juliette Compton as Henrietta
* Irene Purcell as Baroness Diana von Stael
* Emmett King as Mr. Ottendorf
* Florence Roberts as Mrs. Ottendorf
* Ethel Griffies as Lady Caverly
* Bonita Granville as Little Olivia
* Don Alvarado as Count Felipe DeLatorie
* Florence Lake as Elmer's wife
* Edgar Kennedy as Elmer
* Herman Bing as The Dutchman
* Nance O'Neil as Mrs. von Stael
* Joyce Compton as Lillie
* Julie Haydon as Bridesmaid
(cast list as per AFI database)
Reception
The film was considered a commercial failure, despite its relative popularity. Adapted from Margaret Ayer Barnes' novel Westward Passage, the film was criticized for its lack of logical progression and thematic development when compared to the novel. Olivier's brash delivery and mannerisms garnered mixed reviews, and the critical reception largely delayed the mainstream success Olivier would garner in later films. Some believed that poor dialogue hindered the development and likability of essential characters, including Olivia Ottendorf. Others added Westward Passage to their list of empowering and emotional Ann Harding films.
References
Category:1932 films
Category:1932 drama films
Category:American drama films
Category:American black-and-white films
Category:Films directed by Robert Milton
Category:Seafaring films
Category:RKO Pictures films
Category:Films based on American novels
Category:1930s English-language films
Category:1930s American films
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