Christopher Strong (1933)

An intelligent and unconventional aviatrix (Katharine Hepburn) is a liberated young woman whose ambition is to break the altitude record. But when she falls in love with a married aristocrat (Colin Clive), she finds herself pushing her ambitions aside at his request. Based on the novel by Gilbert Frankau and directed by Dorothy Arzner (DANCE GIRL DANCE). ALICE ADAMS aside, this is probably my favorite Hepburn performance during her RKO period. In only her second film and first starring role, Hepburn gives a terrific performance. In a way, it's painful to watch her vital free spirit slowly suppressed because of falling in love with a man she can never have in a polite aristocratic society without a scandal. As a pre code film, the screenplay allows a frank and open attitude. In one shot of Hepburn's braceleted wrist, it's clear the lovers are having a post coital conversation. With Billie Burke in a rare dramatic role and good too. Also in the cast: Helen Chandler, Jack La Rue and Margaret Lindsay.