Although its title reminded contemporary critics of silent exposés about 'flaming youth' scandals, The Age of Indiscretion (1935) is a drama about divorce, a subject that came under close scrutiny after the full enforcement of the Production Code. The real consequences of broken marriages were no longer acceptable as movie material, but the marital woes of the glamorous rich were allowed, perhaps because tragedy in mansions and penthouses was by definition less sordid. This upscale potboiler concerns the principled publisher Robert Lenhart (Paul Lukas), who refuses to maximize profits by releasing trashy but popular books. Robert's spoiled wife Eve (Helen Vinson) resents her allowance being cut, and leaves him to marry her wealthy lover Felix (Ralph Forbes). More trouble comes from Felix's grasping mother Emma (May Robson), who desperately wants a grandchild. Emma sues for custody of Robert and Eve's son Bill (David Holt) by misrepresenting Robert's relationship with his executive secretary Maxine (Madge Bennett). The main point of contention is a 'scandalous' pillow fight Emma witnessed between Maxine and Robert. It all ends up in a desperate court battle. Age of Indiscretion was paralleled in the news by a concurrent high profile battle for the custody of ten year-old heiress Gloria Vanderbilt. A paternal aunt also instigated those proceedings, with the four million-dollar Vanderbilt trust rumored to be the motivating factor. Lenore J. Coffee's original story makes the Lenhart breakup a matter of money as well, with poor Robert having to explain to his son the meaning of divorce. Reviewers criticized the familiarity of the storyline and director Edward Ludwig's uneven pacing. But they praised the acting of young David Holt (no relation to Tim Holt) and that of veteran May Robson, a favorite since her Oscar-nominated role in Frank Capra's Lady for a Day. Robson's Emma finally breaks down in court, giving the film its most dramatic scene.

By Glenn Erickson