Between 1929 and 1934, women in American cinema were modern! They took lovers, had babies out of wedlock, got rid of cheating husbands, enjoyed their sexuality. led unapologetic careers and, in general, acted the way many think women only acted after 1968. Greta Garbo and Norma Shearer were at the forefront of an eruption of female talent; Ann Harding, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich and Jean Harlow all came into their own during the pre-Code era. These women pushed the limits and shaped their images along modern lines. Then, in July 1934, the draconian Production Code became the law in Hollywood and these modern women of the screen were banished, not to be seen again until the code was repealed three decades later. Mick LaSalle, film critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, takes readers on a tour of pre-Code films and how the movies of the pre-Code are still worth watching. COMPLICATED WOMEN will include 35 of celebrated photographer George Hurrell's exquisite photographs.