The Runaway Bride | 1930 | Crime Drama

Title: The Runaway Bride | 1930 | Crime Drama Director: Donald Crisp Studio: RKO Productions, Inc. Starring: Mary Astor, Lloyd Hughes, Natalie Moorhead, Paul Hurst, David Newell, Edgar Norton, Francis McDonald, Maurice Black Based on: Play *Cooking Her Goose* by H. H. Van Loan and Lolita Ann Westman Release Date: May 4 1930 Runtime: 69 minutes Format: Black and white with sound Country: United States Language: English Genres: Crime Drama Romance --- Chapters: 00:00:00 Mary and Dick elope to Atlantic City 00:10:00 Quarrel and separation 00:20:00 Gangster hides loot in Mary’s purse 00:30:00 Mary on the run and disguised 00:40:00 Hiding at George Blaine’s home 00:50:00 Crooks pursue and abduction 01:00:00 Rescue and resolution --- Summary: The Runaway Bride is a 1930 American pre-Code crime drama about Mary Gray, a socialite who elopes with her fiancé, Dick Mercer, only to realize their differences threaten the marriage. After a quarrel leaves her separated from Dick, a gang member fleeing from law enforcement plants stolen jewels in her purse, drawing her into a web of danger. To evade both the criminals and the police, Mary adopts a disguise and seeks refuge with a kindly bachelor, George Blaine, leading to suspenseful encounters, romantic complications, and a dramatic rescue from the criminals’ clutches. --- Background: Directed by Donald Crisp from a screenplay by Jane Murfin, The Runaway Bride was adapted from the 1929 stage play *Cooking Her Goose*. Produced and distributed by RKO Productions during the early sound era, it was the only sound film Crisp directed and marked a transitional entry for Mary Astor as a leading lady in talkies. Prints of the film are preserved in the Library of Congress collection. --- Trivia: This film was the only sound picture directed by Donald Crisp. Mary Astor’s performance as Mary Gray came early in her prolific talkie career. The story blends crime, romance, and melodrama in an unusual mix typical of pre-Code films. --- Public Domain / Rights: Original Release: May 4 1930 Original Studio / Distributor: RKO Productions, Inc. Copyright Status: Public Domain Renewal: Not applicable --- Hashtags: #TheRunawayBride1930 #MaryAstor #DonaldCrisp #PreCodeFilm #CrimeDrama #ClassicCinema #PublicDomain