Smilin' Through
“Exquisite romance!”
Synopsis
On the day of his wedding, Sir John Carteret's fiancée, Moonyeen, is killed by a jealous rival named Jeremy, leaving him emotionally devastated. Carteret spends three decades in seclusion, mostly communing with the spirit of Moonyeen, until he learns that her niece, Kathleen, has become an orphan. He adopts and raises the child as his own but is alarmed when, as a young woman, she falls in love with the son of Moonyeen's murderer.
Top Cast
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Norma Shearer
Kathleen / Moonyeen
Fredric March
Kenneth Wayne / Jeremy
Leslie Howard
Sir John Carteret
O. P. Heggie
Dr. Owen
Ralph Forbes
Willie Ainley
Beryl Mercer
Mrs. Crouch
Margaret Seddon
Ellen, the Maid
Forrester Harvey
Orderly
Herbert Bunston
Minister
James Bush
Young Party Guest
Mary Carlisle
Young Party Guest
Cora Sue Collins
Young Kathleen
Claude King
Richard Clare, Moonyeen's Father
David Torrence
Gardener
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 24, 1932
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Sidney Franklin
- Screenplay & Story
- Jane Cowl, Jane Murfin, James B. Fagan, Donald Ogden Stewart, Ernest Vajda, Claudine West
- Original Title
- Smilin' Through
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Production Studios
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Sidney Franklin
Jane Cowl, Jane Murfin, James B. Fagan, Donald Ogden Stewart, Ernest Vajda, Claudine West
Lee Garmes
Margaret Booth
Albert Lewin, Irving Thalberg
Department Leadership Roster
Sidney Franklin
Director
Ernest Vajda
Writer
Claudine West
Writer
Albert Lewin
Producer
Margaret Booth
Editor
Adrian
Costume Design
Lee Garmes
Director of Photography
Irving Thalberg
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Smilin' Through.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Smilin' Through.
Ghost
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War: World War I
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Pre-Code Hollywood
Pre-Code Hollywood films, 1929 to 1934.
Missing Mine
Best Picture Nominees
Best Picture Nominees (updated 8/6/26)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Smilin' Through
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Smilin' Through about?
On the day of his wedding, Sir John Carteret's fiancée, Moonyeen, is killed by a jealous rival named Jeremy, leaving him emotionally devastated. Carteret spends three decades in seclusion, mostly communing with the spirit of Moonyeen, until he learns that her niece, Kathleen, has become an orphan. He adopts and raises the child as his own but is alarmed when, as a young woman, she falls in love with the son of Moonyeen's murderer.
Who directed Smilin' Through?
Smilin' Through was directed by Sidney Franklin.
Who stars in Smilin' Through?
The principal cast of Smilin' Through includes Norma Shearer, Fredric March, Leslie Howard, O. P. Heggie, Ralph Forbes.
When was Smilin' Through released and how long is it?
Smilin' Through was released in 1932 with a total runtime of 1h 38m.