From my Facebook archives, September 27, 2015:
We just stumbled across the film The Animal Kingdom, an RKO film from 1932, and very much enjoyed it. It is definitely pre-code, as the plot involves sex and co-habitation outside of marriage and other subjects that would soon be taboo in Hollywood films. Because of that, the film does feel quite unusual for the era.
This was my first significant exposure to both Leslie Howard and Ann Harding. Harding's role is surprisingly small given her top billing. Myrna Loy actually is the female lead and she is extremely impressive. This was apparently a critical role in launching her to stardom. Leslie Howard is great as well.