White Shoulders is a lost[4] 1931 American pre-Code comedy-drama film directed by Melville W. Brown and starring Mary Astor and Jack Holt, with major supporting roles by Ricardo Cortez and Sidney Toler.

Most reviewers enjoyed at least some of the acting, but virtually all thought the plot was either too convoluted or simply implausible, although some at least gave it credit for its originality.

Kent has spent the last several years in the back woods, utilizing his mining engineering acumen to accumulate a large fortune of approximately $20 million.

When they travel to Paris, they run into an old acquaintance of Norma's, Lawrence Marchmont, who instantly understands a meal ticket when he sees one.

It soon becomes apparent to Norma that the only thing that Marchmont/Pierce was interested in was her jewels, and she has to resume her chorus girl activities in order to support Marchmont/Pierce's drinking habit.

At the same time Melville Brown was picked to direct by producer William LeBaron, and Evelyn Brent was announced as the lead.

He asked fellow director and screenwriter Howard Estabrook to take the script and clean and tighten it, although he was given no screen credit for his efforts.

[25] Mordaunt Hall, critic for The New York Times was less than impressed by the film, calling it "unbelievable", and stating that both the script and the acting were "crude".

[27] Motion Picture Daily also referenced the improbable plot, while giving credit to the attempts by the acting crew to overcome the material.

[22] Other publications which had some positive comments about the film included: the Boston Globe, which applauded the acting; the Boston Traveler, which said the plot was novel; the Portland Evening News which thought the film was "Interesting and original"; and the Detroit Daily Mirror which said, "Vivid drama ... good audience stuff".

[31] The Motion Picture Herald enjoyed the film, calling it "... better than average screen entertainment," and "... adult and thought-provoking drama."

They were less kind to Holt's performance, and felt that overall the film did not go far enough in exploring the fall from grace of Astor and Cortez characters when they are forced to live together.

[32] While not a stellar review, Silver Screen magazine said White Shoulders was a "good" film, complimenting the novel plot twists, and the performances of Astor, Holt and Cortez.