The best films of Cary Grant: #15 "In Name Only" (1939)

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Audiences must have been surprised when expecting another screwball comedy teaming superstars Grant and Carole Lombard and getting “In Name Only.” The film is a somber story of an unhappy marriage and infidelity (viewers had to assume what was happening) that borders on heavyhanded tearjerker. Based on the 1935 novel by Bessie Brewer, “In Name Only” was directed by John Cromwell (future blacklisted communist and father of actor James)) and to have originally starred Katharine Hepburn. After the failure of “Bringing Up Baby” with Grant, Hepburn was dropped as box office poison in favor of then bigger star and more glamorous Lombard. Alec Walker (Grant) is trapped in a loveless marriage. His cold calculating wife only married Alec for his family’s wealth and social position and ingratiated herself with his humorless parents. Widowed Julie and her young daughter move into a nearby summer cottage. Alec and Julie meet and fall in love. He presses for a divorce but his wife threatens to countersue Julie for alienation of affections. This is the 30s so there is a happy ending. Grant shines in a dramatic role not so reliant on his familiar charming persona. Alec is a lost man seeking some sort of happiness. There is a crucial memorable scene in which a drunk Alec sits in front of an open window and contracts pneumonia. It is a suicidal act. “In Name Only” was a critical and commercial success.