Socialite Anatol Spencer, finding his relationship with his wife lackluster, goes in search of excitement. After bumping into old flame Emilie, he lets an apartment for her only to find that she cheats on him. He is subsequently robbed, conned, and booted from pillar to post. He decides to return to his wife and discovers her carousing with his best friend Max.
Wallace Reid
Anatol Spencer
Gloria Swanson
Vivian Spencer (Anatol's wife)
Wanda Hawley
Emilie Dixon
Theodore Roberts
Gordon Bronson
Elliott Dexter
Max Runyon
Theodore Kosloff
Mr. Nazzer Singh (Hindu hypnotist)
Agnes Ayres
Annie Elliott
Monte Blue
Abner Elliott
Bebe Daniels
Satan Synne
Laura Anson
Alma Bennett
Chorus Girl
Shannon Day
Chorus Girl
William Boyd
Guest
Julia Faye
Tibra
Elinor Glyn
Bridge Player
Winter Hall
Dr. Johnston
Raymond Hatton
Great Blatsky - Violin Teacher
Fred Huntley
Stage Manager
Lucien Littlefield
Spencer's Valet
Zelma Maja
Nurse
Ruth Miller
Marie - Spencer's Maid
Polly Moran
Orchestra Leader
Charles Ogle
Dr. Bowles
Guy Oliver
Spencer's Butler
Lady Parker
Bridge Player
Maude Wayne
Guest
Director
Cecil B. DeMille
Theatre Play
Arthur Schnitzler
Writer
Jeanie Macpherson
February 16, 2022
6
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.
Status:
Released
Original Language:
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00