By Vlad Zakh · July 22, 2026
Kent Taylor brought a smooth leading-man charm to Hollywood’s pre-Code era and later built a long career as a dependable second lead. I’m No Angel has a carnival performer setting her sights on a bachelor, Death Takes a Holiday sends Death to learn why mortals fear him, The Scarlet Empress turns a naive princess into Catherine the Great, and The Story of Temple Drake delivers a Southern belle to a brutal bootlegger. Merrily We Go to Hell and Blonde Venus round out the list.
01 Edward Van Sloan features in this von Sternberg and Dietrich epic about a naive German princess who transforms into the ruthless, scheming empress of Russia.
Directed by Josef von Sternberg · 1h 44m · Rated NR
Stream: FlixFling · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
Rent or buy: Amazon Video
Stream: FlixFling · Rent or buy: FlixFling
Rent: Amazon Video
02 Guy Standing is in this fantasy where Death assumes human form for three days to experience life, and falls in love.
Directed by Mitchell Leisen · 1h 19m · Rated NR
Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Rent or buy: Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Rent or buy: Apple TV Store
03 Guy Standing features in this Faulkner adaptation about a reckless Southern socialite whose life is upended after she falls into the hands of a dangerous bootlegger.
Directed by Stephen Roberts · 1h 11m · Rated NR
04 A carnival performer's scheme to marry into wealth is complicated by a genuine, unexpected love.
Directed by Wesley Ruggles · 1h 27m · Rated NR
Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
05 Gordon Westcott is in this pre-Code drama about a wealthy heiress whose marriage to a charming but alcoholic writer is tested by his continued infidelity.
Directed by Dorothy Arzner · 1h 23m · Rated NR
Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
06 A struggling mother turns to nightclub singing and a rich admirer to support her family.
Directed by Josef von Sternberg · 1h 33m
Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming availability data from JustWatch, via TMDB. Availability changes often, so check the service before you plan a movie night.
