Common Clay (1930 film)

Common Clay is a 1930 American pre-Code film directed by Victor Fleming and starring Constance Bennett and Lew Ayres, based on the 1915 play of the same name by Cleves Kinkead which starred Jane Cowl.

The film is about a young servant who is seduced by the master of the house who will having nothing else to do with her besides sex because she is of an inferior class. She becomes pregnant and seeks to have the child recognized but his family treats her as if she were a blackmailer.

Cast

• Constance Bennett as Ellen Neal
• Lew Ayres as Hugh Fullerton
• Tully Marshall as W.H. Yates
• Matty Kemp as Arthur Coakley
• Purnell Pratt as Richard Fullerton
• Beryl Mercer as Mrs. Neal
• Charles McNaughton as Edwards
• Hale Hamilton as Judge Samuel Filson
• Genevieve Blinn as Mrs. Fullerton

Release

Common Clay was released by Fox Film Corporation in 1930 and became one of the highest-grossing films of that year, earning approximately $1.2 million in domestic rentals. The film resonated with audiences for its frank depiction of class inequality and moral double standards, themes that were bold for the pre-Code era.

Its commercial success significantly elevated the profile of Constance Bennett, who had recently returned to Hollywood after a brief stint in silent films and European productions. The popularity of Common Clay helped establish her as one of the highest-paid actresses of the early 1930s. Critics noted the film’s melodramatic tone and controversial subject matter, which contributed to its broad appeal at the time.

External links

• Template:Trim/ Template:Trim at IMDbTemplate:EditAtWikidataTemplate:WikidataCheck
• Synopsis: Common Clay, allmovie.com; accessed February 10, 2016.

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