Plot: Mary Haines finds out her husband is cheating through her gossip queen friends, goes to Reno to get divorce. Realises how she cannot possibly live without her man, even though he's a cheating rat bastard - after all, her annoying tendency to remain the same is what drove him away in the first place, right? Surprisingly frequent laughs ensue.
Almost perfect satirical comedy, a look at the nature of sheer bitchiness which, even 70 years on, is still painfully accurate. The all-female cast is absolutely fantastic, with Norma Shearer giving the film its dramatic fuel while the big laughs come from a shining supporting cast. Rosalind Russell absolutely steals the show as queen bitch Sylvia, whose entrance to her cousin's party sets the tone for the entire film:
Edith Potter: [Wiping her hands on towel] Oh, cheap Chinese embroidery, you know I'll bet Peggy gave her these...
Sylvia Fowler: It wouldn't be so bad if only Mary's friends knew we could keep our mouths shut.
Edith Potter: I know plenty I'd never breathe about my friend's husbands.
Sylvia Fowler: Oh so do I!
[They both turn around and look at each other]
Edith Potter: Well you know I adore Mary!
Sylvia Fowler: I worship her, we're not only cousins, she's my dearest friend in the world, after all we WERE raised together!
[Turns around quickly]
Sylvia Fowler: Oh Edith I forgot to tell you...
[Whispers to Edith]
Mary Haines: Break it up girls! Break it up!
Edith Potter: Darling!
Mary Haines: Hello!
Edith Potter: You're so slim I could kill you.
