“Our Blushing Brides” (1930) wasn’t your typical Hollywood romance. Nestled at the tail end of the roaring twenties and on the precipice of the Great Depression, this pre-Code comedy-drama captured a changing world through the lens of three working-class women chasing love (and maybe a little security) in the big city.
This wasn’t the first rodeo for the film’s leading ladies, Joan Crawford, Anita Page, and Dorothy Sebastian. The trio had previously shared the screen in two silent films, “Our Dancing Daughters” (1928) and “Our Modern Maidens” (1929). But with the arrival of “talkies,” a new chapter began. “Our Blushing Brides” showcased their comedic timing and evolving personas. Crawford, the most established star at the time, plays Gerry, the voice of reason amidst the romantic chaos. Page takes on the role of Connie, the optimist blinded by love, and Sebastian portrays Franky, the gold-digger with a flair for the dramatic.
The movie revolves around the lives of three roommates: Jerry (Joan Crawford), Connie (Anita Page), and Franky (Dorothy Sebastian), who work as salesgirls at Jardine’s Department Store. The story delves into their aspirations for better lives beyond the confines of their working-class status. Jerry, the more pragmatic and independent of the trio, dreams of marrying for love rather than wealth. In contrast, Connie and Franky are more inclined towards the material comforts that affluent suitors can provide. The film explores the consequences of their choices, weaving a tale of romance, betrayal, and aspiration amidst the glitter and gloom of the Great Depression era.
Pre-Code Hollywood films often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on screen, and this film is no exception. It addresses issues such as premarital sex, women’s financial independence, and the pursuit of happiness outside traditional marital frameworks. These themes, explored with a relatively open and progressive attitude, would become more restricted with the enforcement of the Hays Code in the mid-1930s, making “Our Blushing Brides” a significant piece of cinematic history.
Joan Crawford’s performance as Jerry is a standout, showcasing her ability to embody strong-willed and independent characters that resonated with audiences, particularly women.
