Night Life in Reno (1931)
A pre-Code gem blending marital comedy, Reno divorce drama, and murder mystery in America's Biggest Little City.
Night Life in Reno - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1931
- Directed by: Raymond Cannon
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 12m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 1, 1931 (United States)
- Production Companies: Supreme Feature Films Company
- Production Countries: United States of America
Night Life in Reno - Plot
A story of love, humor and drama against the background of America's "Biggest Little City." An (interrupted) indiscretion by John Wyatt with a floozy prompts his wife, June, to make a trip to Reno, Nevada in order to get a quickie six-week-waiting-period divorce. John, penitent over his past actions (since he got caught), follows his wife to Reno and manages a reconciliation after a murder gives him a chance to prove his true devotion.
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Night Life in Reno - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Raymond Cannon
Main Cast
- Virginia Valli
- Jameson Thomas
- Dorothy Christy
- Arthur Housman
- Dixie Lee
- Clarence Wilson
- Carmelita Geraghty
- Pat O'Malley
- Georgia Caine
- Henry Roquemore
Writers
- Gloria Stiratt
Night Life in Reno - FAQs
What is Night Life in Reno about?
Night Life in Reno follows June Wyatt, who heads to Nevada for a quick divorce after catching her husband John in an indiscretion. John follows her, hoping to win her back, and gets the chance to prove his devotion when a murder thrusts him into danger. It's a lively mix of romance, comedy, and crime.
Is Night Life in Reno a pre-Code Hollywood film?
Yes, Night Life in Reno is a classic example of pre-Code Hollywood. Released in 1931, before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code, the film deals openly with marital infidelity, divorce, and murder — themes that would soon become heavily restricted on American screens.
Where can you stream Night Life in Reno?
You can watch Night Life in Reno on IndieFlix as part of a flat-rate subscription, or catch it for free with ads on Mometu. It's a great find for classic film fans looking to explore early 1930s Hollywood.
Why was Reno, Nevada significant in 1931?
In the early 1930s, Reno was famous as America's divorce capital. Nevada's six-week residency requirement made it the go-to destination for couples seeking a quick split, earning the city its nickname "The Biggest Little City in the World." The film uses this backdrop to great dramatic effect.
Who are the main actors in Night Life in Reno?
The film stars Virginia Valli as the wronged wife June Wyatt and Jameson Thomas as her penitent husband John. The supporting cast includes Dorothy Christy, Arthur Housman, Dixie Lee, Clarence Wilson, Carmelita Geraghty, and Pat O'Malley, rounding out this early talkie ensemble.
Who directed Night Life in Reno?
Night Life in Reno was directed by Raymond Cannon and produced by Supreme Feature Films Company. The screenplay was written by Gloria Stiratt. Cinematography was handled by Mike Santacrosse and M.A. Andersen, giving the film its distinctive early-talkie visual style.
How long is Night Life in Reno?
Night Life in Reno runs 72 minutes — a tight, brisk runtime that was typical for early sound-era programmers. It wastes no time getting into the drama, keeping the story moving from marital crisis to Reno nightlife to murder mystery at a lively pace.
What are some films similar to Night Life in Reno?
If you enjoy Night Life in Reno, you might also like Desert Hearts (1985) for its Reno divorce setting, Intolerable Cruelty (2003) for its sharp marital comedy, or Clay Pigeons (1998) for its crime-meets-romance blend. Classic noir fans will also find Fargo (1996) and Sea of Love (1989) rewarding.
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