The Age of Consent

The Age of Consent is a stirring pre-Code holiday drama released in 1932. Directed by Gregory La Cava, the movie carries the audience back to the early 1930s transitioning era and boasts an ensemble cast, headlined by Dorothy Wilson, Richard Cromwell, and Arline Judge. Moving away from the glitz and glamour that Hollywood was fond of during the era, this vintage gem encapsulates the zeitgeist of young love, college life and the hard-hitting realities of coming of age.

The story centralizes on two main characters: a dashing young man named Michael Harvey, played by Richard Cromwell and a charming young woman named Ruth Cameron, portrayed by Dorothy Wilson. They’re both college students – bright, friendly, and seemingly ready to take on the world. Filled with dreams and ambitions, the protagonists embody the spirit of youth and its clash with societal expectations and evolving individual morality.

Michael, ambitious and full of life, is an engineering student with the ultimate dream of constructing bridges that will stand the test of time. He has a vibrant personality that resonates with the typical image of an ideal young man of the time. Richard Cromwell exhibits his acting prowess through this character, painting a tangible representation of a man watching his life unfold between the hallowed halls of university life and real-world obligations.

On the other hand, Ruth Cameron, a fatally sensible English student, is flawlessly portrayed by Dorothy Wilson. Ruth makes the perfect counterpart to Michael both in love and life. She's a young woman of her time navigating the convoluted pathways of social mores and the intrinsic trials of femininity. Through her, Dorothy Wilson flawlessly embodies the essence of an ordinary young woman grappling with extraordinary circumstances.

Alongside these two main characters, Arline Judge shines in a prominent role as Dora Swale, a character whose persona provides the narrative with a touch of drama, elegance, and intense emotionality.

The plot follows the lives of these college students as they navigate the challenges of academia, personal growth, and financial hardships amidst the Great Depression. When ordinary college life gives way to momentous decisions about love and relationships, Michael and Ruth find themselves at odds with their emotions, morality, and the legal and societal expectations of the time. The question at heart thus becomes whether they will be able to preserve their youth and innocence while embracing the responsibilities and challenges of the adult world.

The Age of Consent is unique in its depiction of a mature, realistic and often gritty portrayal of engaging characters in a setting that captures the profound transitions experienced by youth. Just beneath its covering of a romance story, the film showcases critical social issues such as the quest for individual identity, premarital relations, and financial struggles, which is a rare find in movies from this period.

Adding a compelling layer to the narrative is the cinematography, which beautifully captures the essence of the 1930s college life, and the brilliantly written dialogues, delivering a poignant look at young lives teeming with aspiration and conflict. Equally engrossing is the score, which captures the prevailing emotions of the characters and adds depth to the storyline.

As a promising creation of Gregory La Cava, The Age of Consent is more than just a romantic drama. It's a film about growth, change, and the stark reality of life. A movie ahead of its time, it also serves as a mirror to society in the early 1930s, highlighting the gray areas, traditions, expectations and norms of that era. Above all, it serves as a timeless reminder of the complexities of becoming adults and the challenges that come with the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Even today, the themes of the movie remain universally relatable, working as a testament to the universality of growing up and falling in love in the face of adversity. Despite its release in 1932, The Age of Consent's nuanced rendering of youthful endeavors, college life escapades, and exploring love remains a classic worth watching.