The Animal Kingdom (1932)
“Which woman is the wife, and which the mistress?”
Streamed free from the Internet Archive · no signup, no cost — this film is in the public domain.
Synopsis
This sophisticated pre-Code comedy-drama from RKO adapts Philip Barry's witty comedy of manners. Leslie Howard plays the publisher caught between artist Ann Harding and socialite Myrna Loy, with the roles of wife and mistress provocatively inverted. It was the first film shown at the RKO Roxy Theater.
Cast
About the Director
Edward H. Griffith — Edward H. Griffith preserved the verbal sparkle of Barry's play while opening it up for the screen, keeping the focus on the central triangle and its sly reversal of marital convention.
Why It’s Free: The Public-Domain Story
The film entered the US public domain in 1960 when its copyright was not renewed in the 28th year after its 1932 publication, as required by the 1909 Copyright Act. The non-renewal applies to the RKO film as an audiovisual work.
Behind the Scenes
Philip Barry's play opened on Broadway in January 1932 with Leslie Howard, several of whom reprised their roles on film. David O. Selznick produced; it was the inaugural film at the RKO Roxy Theater.
Did You Know?
- Leslie Howard and others originated their parts in the Broadway production.
- David O. Selznick produced this prestige item.
- Myrna Loy plays sharply against later type as the "respectable" wife who behaves like a mistress.
Reception & Legacy
Critically admired for its wit and performances, the film was a prestige item despite a financial loss. Modern pre-Code enthusiasts prize its frank, urbane treatment of marriage and infidelity.
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