Summaries

Honor of the Family is a 1931 American Pre-Code drama film released by First National Pictures (a subsidiary of Warner Bros.), starring Bebe Daniels and Warren William. It was based on the play by Emil Fabre, from the Honoré de Balzac novel, La Rabouilleuse. This was the talkie debut for Warren William who would become one of the major stars for Warner Brothers over the next five years. It also marked Dita Parlo's first English-speaking role.

In Hungary, Laura, the mistress of wealthy Paul Barony, is furious when his nephew, Captain Boris Barony, arrives at the castle to save his uncle from her. She runs away, knowing that Paul will send for her. Obeying his uncle, Boris follows her and sees her meet her lover, Tony Revere. To set a trap for her, Boris changes places with her chauffeur and drives her back to the castle. There he shows her his uncle's will, which leaves all his money to her, and threatens to destroy it unless she does as he orders. Paul has begun to realize that Laura and Tony are conspiring against him, but he plans to lead them on. Realizing that Laura is interested in him, Boris insults Tony, hoping to goad him into a duel. On the day of the duel, Laura tries to prevent Boris from fighting. He agrees to cancel if she will go away with Tony. If she stays, he says, he will take her away from Tony and tame her. Laura decides to stay. Tony is killed in the duel, and Felix, his best friend, swears vengeance on Boris. Laura tries to keep Boris in the house to save him from Felix, but he leaves and kills Felix, too. When Boris sends Laura away, Paul begs him to bring her back. Boris agrees to find her if Paul will give him money. Paul signs a blank check and Boris stops Laura, who has been driving outside the house in her car. He joins her in the car and they ride away together.—Pamela Short

Details

Keywords
  • based on novel
  • pre code film
  • foreign language adaptation
  • based on play
  • lost film
Genres
  • Drama
Release date Oct 16, 1931
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) Passed
Countries of origin United States
Language English
Filming locations Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA
Production companies First National Pictures

Box office

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 6m
Color Black and White
Sound mix Mono
Aspect ratio

Synopsis

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