Woman Against Woman 1938

Drama

Romance

Runtime

61 mins

Language

English

Directed by

Edmund Mortimer

Made by

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

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Woman Against Woman Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Woman Against Woman (1938). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Unhappiness shadows a legal career and a marriage in this sharp social drama. Stephen Holland, [Herbert Marshall], an attorney, grows tired of the pretensions and strain at home and decides to pursue a divorce from his wife Cynthia Holland, [Mary Astor]. Their little daughter Ellen, [Juanita Quigley], remains a quiet center of affection, complicating every decision with the fear of hurting her. The pair’s conflict threatens to ripple through their social circle, testing loyalties and exposing true characters as the fight for independence turns personal and painful.

Cynthia is not willing to concede easily. She schemes to make Stephen’s life as difficult as possible and tries to win the support of Stephen’s elderly mother, Mrs. Holland, by cultivating the perception that Ellen would be safer and happier under Cynthia’s custody for the time being. Mrs. Holland is swayed by a mix of concern and social pressure, and Stephen finds himself forced to navigate a precarious path between his desires and the expectations of those who hold traditional views about marriage and family. When Stephen must leave on a work trip to Washington, D.C., the tension reaches a boiling point, as Cynthia accelerates her campaign to disrupt Stephen’s new life and the fragile balance within the Holland family.

At a formal reception for his longtime ally Senator Kingsley, [Joseph Crehan], Stephen meets Maris Kent, [Virginia Bruce], a woman who embodies warmth and sincerity that starkly contrasts Cynthia’s calculated maneuvers. The spark is instant, and the courtship quickly leads to marriage, with the couple returning to Stephen’s hometown and stepping into a life that feels both promising and precarious. The news sends ripples through social circles, and Cynthia doubles down on her retaliation, orchestrating snubs and social exclusions at the local country club in an effort to isolate Maris and undermine the new family’s stability.

The plot thickens as Cynthia takes Ellen away to a remote inn, attempting to turn Ellen into a lever to force Stephen to abandon his new wife. She fabricates a dreadful illness for Ellen, insisting that Stephen must intervene to prevent tragedy. Yet Stephen’s wife and his mother decide to accompany him to the inn, a decision that sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation. In a tense, revealing moment, the trio arrive to find Cynthia dancing carefree while Ellen appears perfectly well. The illusion collapses, exposing Cynthia for who she really is and laying bare the motives that have driven her to torment those around her. The homecoming is painful but clarifying: the truth about Cynthia’s personality is out in the open, and the consequences threaten to unravel all the tangled loyalties that have built up over time.

Woman Against Woman Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Woman Against Woman (1938) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Stephen decides to divorce Cynthia

Unhappy in his marriage, attorney Stephen Holland resolves to divorce his pretentious wife Cynthia. He worries about how the split will affect their young daughter Ellen. The decision triggers Cynthia's retaliatory schemes.

Cynthia manipulates Stephen's mother

Cynthia deceives Mrs. Holland into siding with her, suggesting that Ellen should stay with Cynthia to ease the custody process. The rift within Stephen's family deepens as mistrust grows. The stage is set for further manipulation.

early in the process Mrs. Holland's home

Stephen travels to Washington, D.C.

Stephen must leave on a work trip to Washington, D.C., aligning with the divorce proceedings. He reluctantly agrees to the arrangement, hoping the distance will reduce conflict. Cynthia gains space to maneuver in his absence.

Washington, D.C.

Reception leads to a new romance

At a reception for Senator Kingsley, Stephen meets Maris Kent and is immediately smitten. The spark signals a potential new life beyond the failing marriage. The encounter accelerates a forthcoming marriage.

at a reception Washington, D.C.

Stephen marries Maris Kent

Stephen and Maris wed soon after their meeting and move back to Stephen's hometown. The hurried marriage marks a fresh start, even as Cynthia's scheming looms in the background. The new couple is unaware of the trap about to be sprung.

Stephen's hometown

Cynthia sabotages Maris socially

Cynthia tries to undermine Maris by ensuring she is snubbed at the local country club. The social exclusion is aimed at isolating the couple and driving Stephen away. The vendetta illustrates Cynthia's vindictive nature.

local country club

Cynthia's inn plan begins

Away with her daughter Ellen at a remote inn, Cynthia pretends Ellen is seriously ill to spur Stephen into joining and potentially abandoning Maris. The ruse tests the new family's stability. Cynthia's manipulation intensifies as the plan unfolds.

remote inn

The inn confrontation draws near

Stephen, Maris, and Stephen's mother travel to the inn to confront the ruse and protect Ellen. The atmosphere is tense as they prepare to confront the deception and the person behind it. The stakes are high as the truth looms.

remote inn

The truth emerges at the inn

Upon arrival, they discover Cynthia dancing while Ellen is perfectly fine. The deception is laid bare, exposing Cynthia's true character to all present. The moment shifts the story from manipulation to reckoning.

climax of the inn visit remote inn

Cynthia's deception is exposed

Cynthia's selfish scheme is revealed to Stephen, Maris, and Mrs. Holland. The exposure erodes any remaining control she had over the situation. The family begins to reckon with the fallout of her actions.

inn

Fallout for the marriage

The revelation forces the couple to reassess their relationship and the future of Ellen. Stephen's and Maris's bonds are tested as they navigate the consequences of Cynthia's treachery. The film hints at possible healing, but the path ahead remains uncertain.

inn

Ending and aftermath

The summary ends with the truth out in the open and the characters left to deal with the consequences. It emphasizes the cost of deceit in marriage and the importance of Ellen's welfare. The finale leaves the audience contemplating the future of this family.

Woman Against Woman Characters

Explore all characters from Woman Against Woman (1938). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Stephen Holland (Herbert Marshall)

An ambitious attorney who seeks a divorce from his wife Cynthia, Stephen is torn between professional duties and a growing personal freedom. He values his daughter Ellen and tries to navigate a path that preserves her well-being while pursuing happiness. His conflict stems from a desire for independence clashed with familial obligation and public scrutiny.

💼 Lawyer 💔 Divorce 🧭 Moral conflict

Cynthia Holland

Stephen's wife, whose pretentious standards drive her to undermine his new life. She uses manipulation and deception to attempt to control Ellen's fate and preserve her social standing. Her schemes reveal a willingness to sacrifice truth for appearances, fueling the drama and consequences for the family.

🧠 Manipulative 💔 Jealousy 🎭 Scheming

Ellen Holland

The couple's young daughter, whose welfare becomes the focal point of the conflict. Caught between her parents' battles, Ellen's innocent presence anchors the plot and tests each adult's choices. Her safety and happiness are the implied measure of right action in the story.

👶 Child 🧭 Innocence 🕊️ Trust

Maris Kent

Stephen's new wife, a lively, romantic figure who represents fresh possibilities after the divorce. Her union with Stephen triggers Cynthia's paranoia and intensifies the social resistance they face. Maris brings hope of a new life, but must contend with entrenched expectations.

💞 New love 🤝 Trust 🏛️ Social

Mrs. Holland

Stephen's mother, initially drawn into Cynthia's scheme but ultimately a voice of concern for her son's welfare. Her perspective highlights generational tension and protective instincts within the family. She participates in the decisions that shape Ellen's future.

👵 Matriarch 🗝️ Tradition 🏠 Family

Sen. Kingsley

A political figure and friend to Stephen, who hosts a reception that becomes a turning point in the story. His presence reflects the intersection of public life and personal choices. Kingsley's role underscores the social expectations of public personas within the era.

🏛️ Politics 🤝 Influence 👔 Social

Grandma

Stephen's grandmother, a presence of traditional wisdom who observes the unfolding drama. Her viewpoints illuminate how elder family members perceive changes in marriage and family dynamics. She embodies a quiet authority in the household.

👵 Wisdom 🧭 Family 🏡 Tradition

Woman Against Woman Settings

Learn where and when Woman Against Woman (1938) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1930s

Set in the early 1930s, the film reflects a era of rigid social codes surrounding marriage, divorce, and family honor. Receptions, clubs, and courtroom moments illustrate how public image governs private decisions. The period mood underlines the characters’ constraints and the consequences of deviating from expected norms.

Location

Washington, D.C., country club, remote inn

The story moves from a political social scene in Washington, D.C. to the exclusive social hubs of the local country club and the drama-filled inn where personal crises unfold. The country club represents prestige and reputation, a backdrop for snubs and appearances. The remote inn becomes the stage where a family crisis is tested away from the public eye.

🏛️ Politics 💔 Domestic life 🏡 Hometown 🏨 Inn ⛳️ Country club

Woman Against Woman Themes

Discover the main themes in Woman Against Woman (1938). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Marriage & Divorce

A central conflict centers on Stephen's wish to divorce Cynthia. The film examines whether divorce is a personal right or a social catastrophe for a family. Cynthia fights to control Ellen's fate and to preserve her status, exposing how marriage can become a battleground. The narrative uses legal and emotional stakes to question the solidity of conventional unions.

🎭

Deception

Cynthia's schemes drive the plot, including feigned illness and social manipulation to ruin Stephen's new marriage. The inn scene and party snubs reveal her willingness to manipulate others for control. The film shows how appearances are weaponized to shape reality and reputation. Eventually the truth about Cynthia's motives is laid bare.

🏛️

Social norms

The story critiques the era's expectations of wives, husbands, and family loyalty within elite social circles. Receptions, clubs, and family gatherings function as probes of character and propriety. Characters navigate pressure to maintain a flawless public image, even at the expense of personal happiness. The tension arises from balancing duty with genuine emotion.

👪

Family vs. autonomy

Ellen's well-being sits at the heart of the conflict, highlighting the tension between parental autonomy and filial duty. Stephen and Maris strive for a new life, while Cynthia attempts to rewrite the family narrative to suit her interests. The film explores how children become instruments in adult power struggles, and how truth ultimately affects the family unit.

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Woman Against Woman Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Woman Against Woman (1938). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

Unhappiness casts a long shadow over the life of attorney Stephen Holland, a man whose professional success stands in stark contrast to the strain found within his own home. Weary of the pretensions and relentless tension that define his marriage to Cynthia Holland, he seeks a divorce, a decision that threatens to upend the social order of his circle. Yet, even as he looks toward a future defined by personal freedom, the presence of his young daughter, Ellen, serves as a poignant reminder of what is at stake, grounding every difficult choice in the fear of causing pain to an innocent heart.

The path to separation, however, is far from smooth. Cynthia proves to be a formidable adversary who refuses to concede her position without a fight, employing calculated maneuvers to maintain her grip on the life she refuses to relinquish. She leverages social expectations and appeals to the traditional sensibilities of Stephen’s elderly mother, Mrs. Holland, to complicate his pursuit of independence. As the conflict ripples through their social circle, Stephen finds himself navigating a precarious minefield where loyalties are tested and the lines between genuine concern and manipulation become increasingly blurred.

Amidst this domestic turmoil, a potential beacon of hope emerges when Stephen meets Maris Kent, a woman whose warmth and sincerity offer a sharp contrast to the calculated atmosphere he is fleeing. Their connection is instant, promising a fresh start that seems to stand outside the reach of his past troubles. But the arrival of a new romance does little to deter the lingering influence of the old, and the shadow of the ex-wife looms large over the prospect of new beginnings.

As Stephen attempts to forge a new life, he discovers that the battle for independence is as much about withstanding social snubs and domestic interference as it is about legal decrees. The struggle for control within the Holland home promises to test the mettle of everyone involved, revealing just how far some will go to protect their own interests—or to torment those who dare to move on.

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