Merrily We Go to Hell 1932

Meeting and start of romance

Jerry Corbett, a Chicago reporter and aspiring playwright, meets heiress Joan Prentice at a party and they begin dating. They are drawn together despite their differences in status and Jerry's unstable finances. Their budding romance is tested by his addiction and their conflicting ambitions.

Proposal and engagement party

Jerry proposes to Joan and she accepts despite his dim prospects and alcoholism. The engagement party is ruined by his heavy drinking, yet Joan stands by him. Their commitment remains fragile but real as they plan a life together.

Struggles with addiction and rejections

Jerry writes plays that are rejected, and he struggles to break through commercially. He fights his alcohol addiction while trying to maintain his relationship with Joan. Joan remains supportive as he pursues his dream of success.

First breakthrough and trip to New York

Jerry finally sells a play and the couple travels to New York to see the production. The trip marks a high point as their relationship seems to be on track at last. However the glamour of success soon collides with his lingering personal turmoil.

Premiere night disaster

On the premiere night, the star of the play is Jerry's former girlfriend Claire Hampstead. Jerry drinks heavily, becomes inebriated, and mistakes Joan for Claire. Joan stands by him despite the chaos, but the strain is clear.

Confrontation and separation

Joan confronts Jerry about his infidelity and tries to intervene before he sneaks out to Claire. Joan kicks him out, signaling the end of their immediate life together. The rift between them grows as he clings to Claire while Joan contemplates a different life.

The modern marriage declaration

The next day Joan declares they will have a modern marriage and that she intends to have affairs herself. The couple redefines their relationship, blurring the lines of conventional marriage. Her decision signals a deepening emotional distance.

Affair continues and conflicted toast

Jerry is seen making a toast with Claire about their reckless life. Joan and her date toast to the holy state of matrimony, single lives, twin beds and bromides in the morning. The two couples symbolize competing impulses and the fragility of their relationships.

Pregnancy and health crisis

Joan becomes pregnant and learns from her doctor that her health is poor. She tries to tell Jerry, but he is preoccupied with Claire and she decides to move on. The pregnancy raises the stakes and foreshadows tragedy.

Realization and sobriety

After he fails to write a successful follow up play, Jerry realizes he loves Joan. He commits to sobriety and returns to Chicago to work as a reporter. Joan's father keeps them apart, maintaining the rift despite his renewed resolve.

Hospital reveal

Jerry learns from a gossip columnist that Joan has given birth. He goes to the hospital to see her and discovers that the baby died two hours after birth and that Joan is very ill. Her father tells him she does not want to see him, but Jerry sneaks into her room anyway.