The Divorce of Lady X

The Divorce of Lady X, released in 1938, is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Tim Whelan and starring Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, and Binnie Barnes.

The story takes place in London, where Sir Timothy Grey (Laurence Olivier) is trying to head to Paris for a business meeting. Due to bad weather conditions, he is forced to stay at a hotel for the night. There, he meets a beautiful woman named Leslie (Merle Oberon), who is also stranded due to the weather. Sir Timothy, intrigued by her beauty, invites her to share his hotel room until the weather improves.

The next morning, Sir Timothy discovers that Leslie is actually Lady X, the estranged wife of one of his clients who is seeking a divorce from her husband. Lady X is not happy when she discovers that Sir Timothy is a lawyer and works for her husband. She decides to leave the hotel, but Sir Timothy persuades her to stay and convinces her that he is not working for her husband in the divorce proceedings.

As they spend more time together, Sir Timothy and Lady X start to develop feelings for each other. However, Lady X is hesitant to pursue a relationship since she is still married, even if she is seeking a divorce from her husband. Meanwhile, Sir Timothy's fiancée, Muriel (Binnie Barnes), arrives in London and becomes jealous when she finds out that Sir Timothy has been spending time with Lady X.

The Divorce of Lady X is a witty and entertaining film that showcases the talents of its lead actors. Merle Oberon delivers a charming performance as Lady X, portraying her character's vulnerability and inner conflict with ease. Laurence Olivier is equally impressive as Sir Timothy, bringing a combination of wit, charm, and sensitivity to the role. Binnie Barnes, although playing a smaller role, is also noteworthy in her portrayal of Muriel.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning black and white cinematography that captures the elegance and charm of London in the 1930s. The soundtrack, composed by Miklós Rózsa, is also noteworthy, adding to the romantic and playful tone of the film.

Overall, The Divorce of Lady X is a delightful romantic comedy-drama that will entertain audiences with its witty dialogue, strong performances, and charming storyline. The film is a testament to the talent of its lead actors and the artistry of its director, making it a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema.