The Common Law is a 1931 American pre-Code romantic drama film directed by Paul L. Stein, produced by Charles R. Rogers and starring Constance Bennett and Joel McCrea.

Tired of the relationship, she leaves Carmedon and meets struggling American artist John Neville, for whom she begins posing nude.

Soon he proposes marriage, but she asks him to wait, wishing to ensure that their feelings are real before entering a lifelong commitment.

[7] By the end of March, roles were cast for Joel McCrea, Lew Cody, Gilbert Roland, Walter Walker, Marion Shilling and Robert Williams.

[10] During production, a yacht built for American financier E.H. Harriman was employed as the setting for film's climactic scene.

[11] The scene in which Neville meets Valerie one month after she leaves him was set at a nightclub during the famous Four Arts Ball, which was held annually in Paris.

The minute the director yelled cut, Connie would yank Joel to her portable dressing room, bang the door and not reappear until they were again called to the set.

"[14] The film's sexual relationships became an issue for the Hays Office, although it was released during the period before enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code.

Walter Walker is excellent as John's father.”[18] The New York Age offered a very positive review, calling Bennett's performance "matchless.

"[19] While praising the performances of Bennett and McCrea The Film Daily wrote a lukewarm review, stating that "... the story itself doesn't produce much of a dramatic punch due to lots of talk and little action.

"[21] Another favorable review was offered by Motion Picture Daily, calling it a "sophisticated drama" and praising the performances of Bennett and McCrae, although the publication advised that the film was not suitable for children.