Merrily We Go to Hell
Director: Dorothy Arzner
Actors: Sylvia Sidney, Fredric March, Adrianne Allen
PlotJerry Corbett, an aspiring playwright with a penchant for alcohol, meets and falls in love with Joan Prentice, a wealthy and sophisticated socialite. Their whirlwind romance quickly leads to a hasty marriage despite Jerry’s struggle to stay sober. Joan believes in Jerry's potential and supports him financially and emotionally, even as his behavior becomes increasingly erratic due to his drinking habits. Jerry manages to pull his life together long enough to write a successful play, but his newfound success exacerbates his substance abuse and draws him back to the vivacious and manipulative actress Claire, an old flame.
Joan initially stands by her husband even as his relationship with Claire becomes more troubling. Determined to keep their marriage afloat, she hopes that Jerry will choose her over his self-destructive tendencies. However, as Jerry's alcoholism spirals out of control and his connection with Claire intensifies, Joan is forced to reevaluate her choices and the future of their marriage. Jerry's persistent infidelity and destructive habits push Joan to make difficult decisions about loyalty, love, and her own well-being. As their relationship reaches a breaking point, Joan must decide whether her commitment to Jerry is worth the personal toll it has taken on her life.
Writers: Edwin Justus Mayer, Cleo Lucas
Release Date: 10 Jun 1932
Runtime: 83 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Criterion's Blu-ray of 'Merrily We Go to Hell' features an excellent 4K restoration and engaging extras, reviving a complex, pre-Code drama with stunning clarity.
Read our review of Merrily We Go to Hell Blu-ray to find out more