The Divorcee is based on Ursula Parrott’s novel, The Ex-Wife. MGM had purchased the book which had been deemed unfilmable due to its subject matter of infidelity. Producer Irving Thalberg (and husband of Norma Shearer) worked with a team of writers to translate the story for the screen. Shearer had been in a long series of light comedies and interesting dramas that had made the studio millions of dollars. Thalberg did not consider her “sexy” enough to play the lead character Jerry. Introduced to portrait photographer George Hurrell through friend Ramon Novarro, Norma set up a session to prove her allure, producing images that ultimately convinced Thalberg she could tackle the role. She would go on to with the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance. Rare 35mm screening of this racy pre-code classic.