Behind Office Doors - 1931 **

Despite starting well, this pre-Hays film sadly lagged behind, not to mention the awful sound and picture quality that was intensely distracting.
Mary Astor alone couldn't save this film, although she does look lovely as a post-1920s flapper.

A Free Soul - 1931 ***

What I like so much about Norma Shearer is that although she isn't one of the more attractive actresses of the 30s, she has this amazing quality that totally holds you throughout the film. The last film I saw with her as the main lead left me similarly impressed. She's a very talented actress and her plucky style is quite unique for a pre-code film. Clark Gable is suitably slimy as her love interest, and Leslie Howard is the comfort blanket that she keeps returning to when things get tough. Lionel Barrymore is also a highlight as her alcoholic father.

Mata Hari - 1931 ***

I have for a long time been interested in the story of Mata Hari, and although I am aware that this is a semi fictional account of her tragic life, I'm not sure it paints the best picture of her. Garbo portrays a heartless woman who plays with men and treats them badly just because she can. The film doesn't focus a huge amount on the spying allegations, prefering to show us how she treated her many lovers instead. Novarro is heart-breaking as the love-struck man who falls for her, and Barrymore is a standout as the General who betrays her. An interesting movie, and if you think about it, it was made only 12 years after her death, but I would have liked to have seen her story told in a bit more detail.