Seed (John M. Stahl, US, 1931)

The Charles G. Norris book Seed was subtitled A Novel of Birth Control, but this adaptation makes a case for the virtues of motherhood. John Boles plays a would-be writer, Bart, whose ambition has been dampened by domestic life. A former flame (Genevieve Tobin) holds out the promise of escape from the squalling brood, and soon Bart’s wife (Lois Wilson) is left to tend their offspring on her own. An admiring LA Times reporter wrote, “Dominating the picture is the feminine reaction to life. And this is Mr. Stahl’s forte.” Bette Davis puts in a brief appearance as Bart’s daughter.

• Written by Gladys Lehman, from a story by Charles G. Norris. Photographed by Jackson Rose. With John Boles, Genevieve Tobin, Lois Wilson, ZaSu Pitts. (96 mins, B&W, 35mm, From UCLA Film & Television Archive)