The Past of Mary Holmes
“A DRAMA OF YOUNG LOVE...SMOTHERED BY A MOTHER'S LOVE!”
Synopsis
Mary Holmes (MacKellar), once a famous opera star known as Maria di Nardi, now lives in a run-down shanty and suffers from alcoholism. Known for her eccentric behavior, Mary breeds geese, and is thus known in her neighborhood as 'The Goose Woman'. She blames her grown son Geoffrey (Linden) for the deterioration of her voice, and does everything to destroy his life. When Geoffrey, who works as a commercial artist, announces to her that he will marry Joan Hoyt (Arthur), an actress, she becomes torn with jealousy and threatens to reveal to Joan that he is an illegitimate birth.
Top Cast
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Helen MacKellar
Mary Holmes
Eric Linden
Geoffrey Holmes
Jean Arthur
Joan Hoyt
Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher
Ben Pratt
Ivan F. Simpson
Jacob Riggs
Clay Clement
G.K. Ethridge
J. Carrol Naish
Gary Kent
Roscoe Ates
Bill-poster Klondike
Rochelle Hudson
Betty
John Sheehan
Tom Kincaid
Franklin Parker
Brooks
Edward Nugent
Flanagan
Jane Darwell
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 20, 1933
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Harlan Thompson, Slavko Vorkapich
- Screenplay & Story
- Marion Dix, Rex Beach, Edward Doherty
- Original Title
- The Past of Mary Holmes
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 10m
- Production Studios
- RKO Radio Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Harlan Thompson, Slavko Vorkapich
Marion Dix, Rex Beach, Edward Doherty
Charles L. Kimball
David O. Selznick
Department Leadership Roster
Harlan Thompson
Director
Marion Dix
Writer
Slavko Vorkapich
Director
Charles L. Kimball
Editor
Walter Plunkett
Costume Design
Edward Doherty
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Past of Mary Holmes.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Pre-Code Hollywood
Pre-Code Hollywood films, 1929 to 1934.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Past of Mary Holmes
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Past of Mary Holmes about?
Mary Holmes (MacKellar), once a famous opera star known as Maria di Nardi, now lives in a run-down shanty and suffers from alcoholism. Known for her eccentric behavior, Mary breeds geese, and is thus known in her neighborhood as 'The Goose Woman'. She blames her grown son Geoffrey (Linden) for the deterioration of her voice, and does everything to destroy his life. When Geoffrey, who works as a commercial artist, announces to her that he will marry Joan Hoyt (Arthur), an actress, she becomes torn with jealousy and threatens to reveal to Joan that he is an illegitimate birth.
Who directed The Past of Mary Holmes?
The Past of Mary Holmes was directed by Harlan Thompson, Slavko Vorkapich.
Who stars in The Past of Mary Holmes?
The principal cast of The Past of Mary Holmes includes Helen MacKellar, Eric Linden, Jean Arthur, Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher, Ivan F. Simpson.
When was The Past of Mary Holmes released and how long is it?
The Past of Mary Holmes was released in 1933 with a total runtime of 1h 10m.