Merrily We Go to Hell (1932)

Set against the bustling backdrop of Chicago, Merrily We Go to Hell spins the captivating tale of Joan Prentice, a wealthy heiress to a tin can empire, and Jerry Corbett, an ambitious newspaper columnist with dreams of becoming a playwright. Their paths cross at a glitzy society party, where an immediate spark ignites between them, even as Jerry's inebriation threatens to extinguish it. Despite the odds, including Joan's father's suspicions about Jerry's intentions and Jerry's own battle with alcohol, their connection evolves into a turbulent romance and eventually, a marriage. As they traverse the unpredictable terrain of marital life, moments of joy are frequently overshadowed by disappointments and misunderstandings, testing their bond. The plot takes a dramatic turn with the reappearance of Claire Hempstead, an actress and Jerry's former lover. Claire's return, tangled with Jerry's alcohol addiction, forms a devastating cocktail of problems, forcing Joan to question their future together. However, Joan, now living in the vibrant cityscape of New York, isn't one to wallow. She decides to match Jerry's infidelity and chooses another man to accompany her to the city's glittering social events. As the narrative unfolds, Jerry finds himself on a journey towards sobriety and redemption, pushing Claire away in an attempt to salvage his crumbling marriage. Merrily We Go to Hell is a poignant exploration of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of commitment. It's a roller coaster ride that takes you through the highs and lows of a relationship, leaving you questioning whether love, despite its challenges, can indeed conquer all.

Merrily We Go to Hell is a comedy movie featuring Sylvia Sidney and directed by Dorothy Arzner.

Merrily We Go to Hell is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.