Illicit

Illicit

Year: 1931

Runtime: 77 mins

Language: English

Director: Archie Mayo

RomanceDrama

Ann, a forward‑thinking young woman, believes marriage would ruin the passion she shares with her lover Dick, so they cohabit despite societal taboos. As pressure from their community mounts, the couple ultimately succumbs and officially wed, forcing Ann to confront the clash between her ideals and conventional expectations.

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Timeline & Setting – Illicit (1931)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Illicit (1931). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

Set in the early 1930s, a period of shifting social mores around romance and marriage. The story unfolds within urban social circles where public events and weekend getaways carry social weight. Characters navigate the tension between private desire and public propriety as they confront the costs of choosing independence over convention.

Location

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:58

Main Characters – Illicit (1931)

Meet the key characters of Illicit (1931), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Anne Vincent (Barbara Stanwyck)

A modern-thinking woman who questions the idea that marriage is the end of personal freedom. She values independence and self-responsibility, and she resists social pressures to marry. Her decisions are driven by a desire to balance love with individual identity, even as she faces a past and present entanglements.

💬 Outspoken 🎭 Dramatic 💡 Modern Woman

Dick Ives II (James Rennie)

A young heir entangled in competing romances as he grapples with commitment. He pressures Anne to marry and navigates jealousy and pride as the relationship evolves. His actions reflect both impulsiveness and a desire for lasting connection.

⚡ Impulsive 🎭 Drama 💞 Romantic conflict

Price Baines (Ricardo Cortez)

Anne’s ex-boyfriend who remains affectionate and assertive. He tries to dissuade her from marriage while reminding her of past devotion. His presence rekindles tension and temptation, challenging the pair’s resolve.

🔗 Persistent 🎭 Drama 💘 Past love

Margie True (Natalie Moorhead)

A living symbol of lingering romance who still loves Dick. She offers a rival perspective on love and loyalty, pushing the story toward complicated emotional choices. Her behavior reveals vulnerability beneath confident charm.

💃 Flirtatious 🎭 Drama 💖 Love rival

Richard Ives Sr. (Dick Sr.)

The patriarch who pushes for a conventional match for his son, wielding social and familial influence. He represents traditional values and the pressure to maintain status and propriety. His role underscores the film's exploration of duty versus desire.

🏛 Persuasive 🎭 Drama 🧭 Family pressure

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:58

Major Themes – Illicit (1931)

Explore the central themes of Illicit (1931), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💍 Marriage vs Individuality

The central tension pits the institution of marriage against personal freedom. Anne believes love can endure outside wedlock, challenging traditional expectations. The narrative follows how commitment can either erode or reinforce personal identity, depending on how partners relate to one another.

📰 Societal Pressure and Scandal

Gossip and public perception push lovers toward or away from marriage. Fear of scandal drives decisions, forcing characters to weigh reputation against authentic feeling. The era’s norms about respectability loom large over private choices.

🤝 Separation and Realization

A trial separation rekindles genuine affection by revealing what each person truly means to the other. The distance helps the couple assess whether their love is replaceable or essential. In the end, the story suggests there are no substitutes for true connection.

🧭 Independence and Growth

The characters explore what it means to be individuals within romantic bonds. Independence is portrayed as a virtue, but the tale also shows its limits when deep love persists. Growth comes from navigating temptation and choosing commitment on mutual terms.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:58

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Unlock the Full Story of Illicit

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Illicit Summary

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Illicit Summary

Illicit Timeline

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Illicit Timeline

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Illicit (1931) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Illicit (1931) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Illicit (1931) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow