February 16, 2022

This film is essentially about the performances. The story is, frankly, silly. "Anatol" (Wallace Reid) is a bit of a cad, really. He may dress it up as a search for a more fulfilling love than that which he obtains from wife "Vivian" (Gloria Swanson), but he is just a wealthy womaniser who largely reaps what he sows in a series of escapades that see him seduce, get robbed, fleeced and generally played by a variety of scheming, manipulative or jus… read the rest.

This film is essentially about the performances. The story is, frankly, silly. "Anatol" (Wallace Reid) is a bit of a cad, really. He may dress it up as a search for a more fulfilling love than that which he obtains from wife "Vivian" (Gloria Swanson), but he is just a wealthy womaniser who largely reaps what he sows in a series of escapades that see him seduce, get robbed, fleeced and generally played by a variety of scheming, manipulative or just plain opportunistic women until the whole thing comes full circle - and, now low and behold - his delightful wife has decided that perhaps two can play at the game - with her slightly needy friend "Max' (Elliott Dexter). I found the repetitive nature of the plot a bit dreary, and though it's wonderfully shot by De Mille it just drags on for way too long.There is far more intensity in the first hour - with some fun hypnotism from Theodore Kossoff (an unlikely choice for the Hindu "Nazzer Singh") and a wonderfully cathartic temper tantrum from Reid that could put Pickfords out of business for ever. For me - that might have been where to cut it short. As it continues, though, the hypocrisy of the characterisations become a little overwhelming. "It's amazing how tight the shoe can pinch - when it's on the other foot" is a cracking line from Swanson and sums the whole thing up nicely - just after too circuitous a route.

show less