Vanity Fair (1932)

A social climber and gold digger (Myrna Loy) is determined to cement her reputation as a member of the upper crust. In her quest to live the opulent life, she betrays those closest to her. Based on the classic novel by William Makepeace Thackery (previously filmed in 1915 and 1923) and directed by Chester M. Franklin (THE THIRTEENTH HOUR). This is a "modern" adaptation of the Thackery novel and takes place in the 1920s and early 1930s as opposed to the mid 19th century setting of the Thackery novel. Although a pre code film, it takes a very moralistic attitude toward its heroine and her fate is more severe than the one Thackery gave her in his book. Loy (on loan from MGM) is very good but the rest of the acting is only adequate. Remade three years later as the first three strip Technicolor film. With Conway Tearle, Barbara Kent, Walter Byron and Anthony Bushell.