Strange Interlude (film)
Strange Interlude is a 1932 American pre-Code drama film directed by Robert Z. Leonard and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film stars Norma Shearer and Clark Gable, and is based on the 1928 play Strange Interlude by Eugene O'Neill. It is greatly shortened from the play: the stage production lasts six hours and is sometimes performed over two evenings, while the film runs for two hours.
| Strange Interlude | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Robert Z. Leonard |
| Produced by | Robert Z. Leonard Irving Thalberg |
| Written by | Bess Meredyth C. Gardner Sullivan |
| Based on | Strange Interlude 1928 play by Eugene O'Neill |
| Starring | Norma Shearer Clark Gable |
| Cinematography | Lee Garmes |
| Edited by | Margaret Booth |
| Distributed by | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
Release date |
|
Running time | 109 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $654,000[1] |
| Box office | $1,237,000[1] |
Cast (in credits order)
- Norma Shearer as Nina Leeds
- Clark Gable as Dr. Ned Darrell
- Alexander Kirkland as Sam Evans
- Ralph Morgan as Charlie Marsden
- Robert Young as Gordon Evans (as a young man)
- May Robson as Mrs. Evans
- Maureen O'Sullivan as Madeline Arnold
- Henry B. Walthall as Professor Leeds
- Mary Alden as Mary (the Leeds' maid)
- Tad Alexander as Gordon Evans (as a child)
Production notes
When MGM boss Irving Thalberg bought the movie rights to the play, he initially wanted Lynn Fontanne, who played Nina Leeds on Broadway, to play the lead, with her husband Alfred Lunt as Dr. Ned Darrell. But they were not interested in making movies, so Thalberg decided to use his wife Norma Shearer and Clark Gable instead. At first, Gable was intimidated by the story's material, but he gave it his best effort and, subsequently, received a very positive reaction from all who were involved.[2]
Box office
According to MGM records, the film earned $957,000 in the US and Canada and $280,000 elsewhere, resulting in a profit of $90,000.[1]
References
- The Eddie Mannix Ledger, Los Angeles, California: Margaret Herrick Library, Center for Motion Picture Study
- Robert Osborne on Turner Classic Movies