1931 - "Consolation Marriage"

In "Consolation Marriage" which was released on November 21. 1931, Irene got the first time the full star billing above the title. Here is an article from January 1932 around the time when Miss Dunne's new film hit the movie theatres all over the country:   

Irene Dunne of "Cimarron" is Star in New Picture

It's her fate to be spoken of not only as Irene Dunne, but as Irene Dunne of the "Such-and-such-fame."

 When she came to Hollywood, fresh from musical shows on Broadway, they hailed her as Irene Dunne of the "Showboat-fame", because she had played the leading role in that production.

 Then she played 'Sabra Cravat'and they began calling her "Irene Dunne of the Cimarron fame". Now they're speaking of her in the same term in connection with "Consolation Marriage".

                                       Loses Self in Role

 "I suppose," she says, "it is because I have had the good fortune -- I'm sure it's that -- to be associated with such big pictures and shows that they overshadow just plain Irene Dunne.

 "Of course I like that. I'd like nothing better, if it were possible, than to have people remember me first by the names of the characters I have played -- ´Mary´in the latest picture -- ´Sabra´in "Cimarron" -- than by my own name."

 But those who know Irene Dunne agree that , quite as the actress in person, she can hardly hide herself behind her various characters; even if they all remain more famous than their creator.

                                            'Sabra' Now  'Mary'

 As "Mary" in the powerful dramatic RKO-Radio Picture offering at the Strand Theatre, Miss Dunne paints an unforgettable picture of a very modern young woman -- but behind that is the impress of a charming actress personality. One of these days Miss Dunne is going to be "discovered" all over again -- as Irene Dunne actress, fame all her own.

(from "The Kingsport Times", January 31.1932)