Rich and Strange (1931)

Rich and Strange (1931), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

An early talky still showing the director's silent film making roots. In some ways a minor effort, it has many good bits and and quite a lot of wit. A surprising amount of location shooting in France and Egypt.

Big comedy setup, turning bittersweet. A young couple receive an inheritance that allows them to take a round the world cruise. They party hard for a time. When the husband is sea sick in the cabin for a few days, the wife (lovely Joan Barry) stays up late for a little romance with a distinguished older man. When the husband is feeling better, he has similar temptations with a fake princess. This is turning tragic until a "Titanic" episode brings them together again.

The title refers not to our leads (neither rich nor strange) but is from Shakespeare, The Tempest:

Full fathom five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.
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