Six years before “Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood” began running in the Los Angeles Times in 1938, the future gossip columnist appeared in a ruthless MGM drama about money, romance, and ambition. In the severely underrated pre-code drama Skyscraper Souls, Hopper plays Ella Dwight, the estranged wife of a banker — played heartlessly yet charmingly by the always great Warren William — who cares more about his 100-story skyscraper than anyone, and anything, else.
Released in 1932, this Edgar Selwyn-directed melodrama remains a riveting look at the fictional New York Dwight Building — a skyscraper where interlocking stories unfold in degrees of hilarity and tragedy.
Hedda Hopper’s Captivating Performance in Skyscraper Souls
Calling Ella Dwight, Hedda Hopper’s character in Skyscraper Souls, a neglected wife is accurate. However, it doesn’t quite encompass what she is, as Ella is no unsuspecting victim of her husband’s cruel ways. Ella’s marriage to the building’s owner, David Dwight (William), exists largely on paper. David pays her expenses, gives her an allowance, and never sees her except when she needs more money. She remains outside of his daily life — and does not interfere with his affairs, his ambition, or anything other than his money.
Ella understands this arrangement. She delights in it, really. This intriguing take makes her brief appearances sharper than what the abandoned wife role normally permits. Ella is socially polished and clear-eyed about who she married. Her marriage is very much yet another business deal her husband has made. After all, it appears that every relationship David has in this film comes with a price attached.
Perhaps most importantly, Ella’s continued presence as his ever-neglected wife gives David a rather convenient reason why he cannot marry his longtime mistress and adviser, Sarah Dennis (Verree Teasdale), a woman who loves him more than anything. David tells Sarah that his wife won’t give him a divorce. This is, of course, news to Ella!
Hopper doesn’t dominate Skyscraper Souls in her small role, yet every time she’s on the screen, she really is marvelous to behold. Her chemistry opposite William is particularly enchanting — and, at times, downright hilarious.
Skyscraper Souls Features Warren William at His Most Ruthless
Skyscraper Souls belongs primarily to David Dwight, played perfectly by William. David is a financier intent on retaining complete control of the skyscraper that bears his own name. He’ll do anything to have it all to himself. In order to do this, David finds himself committing one scheme after another. He doesn’t care who he has to ruin along the way to get what he wants.
Warren William was one of the defining personalities of pre-code cinema. David Dwight is one of the best examples of the type of characters William excelled at playing during this time. David is charming, beyond predatory, and capable of getting away with anything — and explaining away any and all betrayals he commits. The skyscraper is his obsession, and he will destroy everyone to have it himself.
Other than Hopper — who really is rather good here — the rest of the film cast is unusually strong. Sarah Dennis (Teasdale) has spent years, and much of her life, serving David both professionally and romantically. Meanwhile, when her young secretary, Lynn Harding (Maureen O’Sullivan), attracts David’s attention, drama becomes unavoidable for all involved.
Lynn has a relationship with a bank teller, Tom Shepherd (Norman Foster), in the building. Her relationship becomes rather strained when David sets his sights on her. Lynn’s friend Jenny LeGrande (Anita Page) and jeweler Jake Sorenson (Jean Hersholt), both of whom work within the skyscraper as well, round out the cast.
In many ways, Skyscraper Souls is almost like a corporate version of Grand Hotel, yet without the much starrier ensemble cast. Instead of a luxury hotel bringing together this big cast, an Art Deco skyscraper brings together investors, lovers, executives, and various workers.
Pre-Code Cynicism At Its Finest
Arriving two years before the Production Code began to be strictly enforced, Skyscraper Souls treated adultery, sexual pursuit, financial corruption, and transactional marriage in a very direct, rather than subtle, way. By 1934, this type of film wouldn’t have been able to be made.
It’s hard not to be amazed at what this film was able to get away with for its time. David openly keeps a mistress for years, all while remaining married. His wife, Ella, accepts the practical terms of their separation and “marriage.” As long as she’s getting his money, why would she complain?
Meanwhile, Skyscraper Souls also shows young working women who work in the building discussing marriage in practical and even financial terms.
Economic anxiety of the 1930s is also in full view here. This movie was released during the Great Depression, and instead of ignoring how many Americans were hurting during this time, the movie sheds light on the many economic issues of the day. Furthermore, the wealthy aren’t portrayed in the greatest of lights. In Skyscraper Souls, speculative wealth is seen as dangerously unstable.
The entire film takes place at the skyscraper that brings so many people stability — through jobs, the bank, or the stock market. However, by the end of the film, it’s clear that all of these people remain vulnerable to the wealthiest, most powerful men on the top floors. These men can alter their lives forever — and all without leaving their penthouse or boardroom.
The Road to Hopper Becoming Hollywood’s Gossip Queen
Though many people may remember Hopper as one of the greatest Hollywood gossip columnists of the Old Hollywood era, she first began work in Hollywood as an actress. By 1932, Hopper had already been working in motion pictures since the silent era. She appeared in her first film in 1916 and steadily worked until the 1930s. Though she mainly acted in supporting roles, Hedda Hopper’s work in Skyscraper Souls proves that she could still shine in these small parts.
This industry experience certainly helped her become the gossip queen of Hollywood. Her long career allowed her to find an easy place within the social networks that would later help her writing career.
Her column debuted in 1938 and, almost overnight, turned her into one of Hollywood’s most influential media personalities. Before Hopper became rather feared by many, however, she was starring in this film in a minor yet important role. Almost 100 years after it was made, she’s still remarkable in the movie.
What Do You Think About Hedda Hopper in Skyscraper Souls?
What do you think of Hedda Hopper’s role in Skyscraper Souls as Ella Dwight? Any other bit parts of hers you recommend Old Hollywood fans watch? Hit the comments below with all your thoughts and opinions!
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