Traveling Husbands
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Traveling Husbands
Traveling Husbands (1931) is a pre-Code drama film that delves into the lives and moral dilemmas of traveling salesmen during the Great Depression. Set in a Detroit hotel, the narrative follows Barry Greene, a salesman striving for success, and Ellen Wilson, a neglected socialite seeking excitement. The film, also featuring characters like the call girl Ruby Smith and the married salesman Ben Hall, explores themes of ambition, infidelity, and the pursuit of a 'wild life' in an era of loosening moral standards. While incorporating elements of comedy and crime, the movie's plot centers on intertwining romantic entanglements and serious consequences arising from reckless behavior.
Things to Consider
Romance and Sexual Content
The movie features implied sexual activity, references to prostitution, and an attempted sexual assault, reflecting the pre-Code era's more risqué themes.
The plot explicitly mentions that Barry's 'compatriots, all "traveling husbands" (married traveling salesmen), are enjoying a party with several call girls'. Later in the film, salesman Ben Hall takes Ellen Wilson back to his room where 'he attempts to force his attentions on her', implying attempted sexual assault.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
16+ (Due to mature themes including infidelity, prostitution, attempted sexual assault, and a shooting incident, the film is best suited for mature teenagers and adult audiences.)
Good to Know
As a pre-Code film, 'Traveling Husbands (1931)' contains content that was considered daring for its time, including discussions and depictions of infidelity, prostitution, and attempted assault. Parents should be aware that while explicit visuals may be limited by early filmmaking techniques and the standards of the era, the themes presented are mature and potentially disturbing.
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