The Wiser Sex

The Wiser Sex

Year: 1932

Runtime: 76 mins

Language: English

Director: Berthold Viertel

DramaComedy

Two women engage in a tense battle of wits as a young woman goes undercover, gathering evidence to exonerate her boyfriend, an attorney falsely accused of murder. The investigation pits her against a clever adversary, creating a high‑stakes cat‑and‑mouse game to uncover the truth.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Wiser Sex (1932)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Wiser Sex (1932). 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 America, the film sits in a period of gangster activity and reform. Prohibition-era tensions fuel mob intrigue and the high-stakes courtroom drama that follows.

Location

Claire Foster's hotel, Evans' residence, Cruise ship, Courtroom

The action moves through urban spaces tied to crime and justice: Claire Foster's hotel where schemes unfold, Evans' residence where danger brews, a cruise ship where Margaret goes undercover, and a courtroom where the truth is contested.

🏙️ Urban settings ⚖️ Legal drama backdrop

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:36

Main Characters – The Wiser Sex (1932)

Meet the key characters of The Wiser Sex (1932), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Rolfe (Melvyn Douglas)

A principled prosecutor who arrests Benny Morgan and becomes the target of Evans's revenge. He is driven by justice and duty, willing to risk everything to protect those he cares about. His conflict with Claire's manipulation drives the courtroom drama and his pursuit of truth.

🎭 Hero 🕵️‍♂️ Investigative

Margaret Hughes (Claudette Colbert)

David's fiancée who refuses to marry for convenience and instead fights for the truth. She disguises herself to gather evidence against Claire and Evans and proves herself resourceful and fearless. Her loyalty to David anchors the personal stakes in the film.

💃 Romantic 🕵️‍♀️ Resourceful

Jimmy O'Neill (Ross Alexander)

A friendly suitor who supports Margaret and assists in gathering evidence, helping to stage social settings that reveal the truth. He participates in the plan to expose Claire and Evans while staying supportive of David and Margaret. His presence adds a practical, committed angle to the investigation.

🎭 Loyal 🧭 Supportive

Phil Long (Franchot Tone)

David's naive young cousin who becomes entangled with Claire. He tries to confront Claire with David's gun and is killed in the ensuing conflict. His fate catalyzes the courtroom drama and the drive to expose the true killer.

🗡️ Rash 🧭 Naive

Claire Foster (Lilyan Tashman)

A gold-digging moll who uses seduction and acting to manipulate a male-dominated jury. She frames David for murder and tries to maintain control through deception until the undercover work reveals the truth. Her calculating nature drives much of the conflict.

🃏 Manipulative 💡 Cunning

Harry Evans (William 'Stage' Boyd)

A mob boss who orders the murder attempt and exerts influence over Claire and Fritz. He pursues power and control, making bold, unscrupulous moves to silence David and protect his interests. He is the primary antagonist whose plans unravel in court.

💰 Criminal 😈 Ruthless

Fritz Engelhardt (Robert Fischer)

Evans's cook who assists with his wound and is drawn into the criminal web. His eventual death shifts the investigation and reveals the missing bullet lodged in Evans. He functions as a secondary ally whose fate intensifies the plot.

🍳 Cook 🕵️‍♂️ Complicit

Chauffeur (Douglass Dumbrille)

The mobster's driver who carries out orders to kill David but fails. His role highlights the reach of Evans's influence and the risks faced by those who defy such figures. He represents the failed attempt that keeps the case alive.

🚗 Chauffeur ❌ Failed

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:36

Major Themes – The Wiser Sex (1932)

Explore the central themes of The Wiser Sex (1932), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎯 Feminine Insight

Margaret demonstrates intelligence and resolve, stepping into danger to uncover the truth. The plot centers on a woman's ability to see through deception and guide justice. The idea of a 'wiser sex' shaping outcomes is a throughline throughout the trial and investigations.

⚖️ Justice vs Appearance

Claire uses acting and manipulation to sway a male jury, testing what true justice looks like. Margaret's undercover work exposes the fragility of appearances in the courtroom. The story pits evidence and truth against deception and theatrics.

💞 Romance & Loyalty

Love and loyalty anchor the conflict and resolution. David and Margaret's relationship endures amid danger and schemes, culminating in a marriage once innocence is proven. The film ties personal bonds to moral consequences and justice.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:36

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The Wiser Sex Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Wiser Sex, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Wiser Sex Summary

The Wiser Sex Timeline

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The Wiser Sex Timeline

More About The Wiser Sex

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