Loose Ankles (1930)

A witty pre-Code romantic comedy in which a defiant heiress courts scandal to outwit a meddlesome inheritance clause — and finds love instead.

Loose Ankles - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1930
  • Directed by: Ted Wilde
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Romance, Comedy
  • Runtime: 1h 7m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): February 2, 1930 (United States)
  • Production Companies: First National Pictures
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Loose Ankles - Plot

A grandmother's will leaves her fortune to a few, mostly to her great-niece Ann. Ann will only receive her inheritance once she marries, with the approval of three of her stuffed-shirt relatives, and without scandal. Otherwise, the estate goes to the cat and dog hospital. Ann, not needing the money, rebels by seeking scandal with a gigolo.

Loose Ankles - Trailer

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Loose Ankles - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Ted Wilde

Main Cast

  • Loretta Young
  • Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
  • Louise Fazenda
  • Otis Harlan
  • Daphne Pollard
  • Edward Nugent
  • Inez Courtney
  • Ethel Wales
  • Norman Selby
  • Raymond Keane

Writers

  • Gene Towne

Loose Ankles - FAQs

What is Loose Ankles about?

Loose Ankles follows Ann, a free-spirited young woman whose grandmother's will ties her inheritance to a scandal-free, approved marriage. Refusing to be controlled, Ann deliberately seeks out a gigolo to stir up trouble — only to find unexpected romance along the way in this breezy pre-Code comedy.

Who are the main actors in Loose Ankles?

Loose Ankles stars Loretta Young as Ann and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as Gil. The supporting cast includes Louise Fazenda, Otis Harlan, Daphne Pollard, Edward Nugent, Inez Courtney, Ethel Wales, Norman Selby, and Raymond Keane.

What makes Loose Ankles a pre-Code film?

Released in February 1930, Loose Ankles predates the strict enforcement of the Hays Code. It features a heroine who openly seeks scandal, flirts with a gigolo, and defies conservative social norms — the kind of frank, irreverent storytelling that Hollywood would largely suppress after 1934.

Where can I watch Loose Ankles?

Loose Ankles is available to stream for free on Tubi TV (with ads) and Fawesome. Both platforms offer the film at no cost, making it easy to enjoy this classic pre-Code comedy without a subscription.

When was Loose Ankles released?

Loose Ankles was released on February 2, 1930, in the United States. It was produced by First National Pictures during the early sound era of Hollywood, shortly after the industry's transition from silent films to talkies.

Who directed Loose Ankles?

Loose Ankles was directed by Ted Wilde, a filmmaker who had built his reputation in the silent comedy era. The film was produced by First National Pictures and written by Gene Towne, based on the stage play of the same name.

How long is Loose Ankles?

Loose Ankles has a runtime of 67 minutes, making it a compact and briskly paced romantic comedy. Its tight running time was typical of early sound-era Hollywood productions, which often kept films short as studios mastered the new technology.

Is Loose Ankles based on a true story?

No, Loose Ankles is not based on a true story. It is adapted from a 1926 Broadway stage play of the same name. The story is a fictional romantic comedy built around inheritance law, social propriety, and the rebellious spirit of a young woman determined to live on her own terms.

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