Emma (1932)

Dedicated nanny and housekeeper Marie Dressler has been with one family through good times and bad, from the childbirth death of the mother and the husband’s financial successes to the raising of their four spoiled children to adulthood. After so many years together, the husband proposes marriage but he sadly dies on their honeymoon. There’s an interesting story there, but way too much is jumped over in its short, seventy-odd minute runtime. I would have loved to see all the family relationships develop more as there are tender moments and history that is really glossed over. While she does her best with the role, Dressler’s character is the only one given much development though even her background is completely blank.

Oscar Nomination: Best Actress in a Leading Role