The Common Law

The Common Law is a 1931 American pre-Code romantic drama film directed by Paul L. Stein, produced by Charles R. Rogers and starring Constance Bennett and Joel McCrea. Based on Robert W. Chambers' 1911 novel of the same name, the film was the third film adaptation of the book, and the first during the sound-film era. It was received well both at the box office and by film critics, becoming one of RKO's most financially successful films of the year. Plot Valerie West is a young American expatriate living with her wealthy lover Dick Carmedon in Paris. Tired of the relationship, she leaves Carmedon and meets struggling American artist John Neville, for whom she begins posing nude. At first, the relationship is purely business, but Valerie and Neville soon fall in love. They live an idyllic life together although Carmedon continues to pursue Valerie. Valerie does not know that Neville is a member of a wealthy, socially prominent family. Neville's friend Sam tells him about Valerie's past relationship with Carmedon. Valerie confirms the information but states that she had left Carmedon before she met Neville. Disillusioned, Neville changes his mind about proposing to her. Valerie calls him a hypocrite and severs the relationship.