After a trip to Europe, socialite Mary Astor (as Nancy) is back on her Long Island estate. Traveling companion John Halliday (as Guy Harrington) thought, "All American women were restless and dissatisfied," but Ms. Astor is faithful to husband Robert Ames (as Donald "Don" Gibson), and lovingly looks forward to seeing him. Astor is disappointed when Edward Everett Horton (as Billy Ross) meets her at the ship, instead of Mr. Ames. Moreover, she's disheartened when Mr. Horton and wife Ruth Weston (as Sally) give Astor some devastating news - hubby Ames has been having an affair with blonde bimbo Noel Francis (as Peggy Preston).
Ames wants a divorce. But, "Smart Woman" Astor decides to use finesse to win Ames back. Pretending to approve of her husband's affair, she invites Ms. Francis ("Miss Alabama of 1927") and her mother over for the weekend, explaining that she, too, has romantic interests in another. Then, Astor invites Mr. Halliday (the man she rejected in Venice) to visit, hoping he'll make Ames jealous, and seduce the gold-digging Francis
This sounds complicated, but it's a capably handled, by director Gregory La Cava, version of the New York stage play "Nancy's Private Affair" (1930). Astor makes noticeable gains as a fine "talking pictures" actress.
****** Smart Woman (9/12/31) Gregory La Cava ~ Mary Astor, Robert Ames, John Halliday, Edward Everett Horton
