Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery are the leads in this movie, but, as the scene fades in, they are married to other people: Reginald Denny and Una Merkel. Does that suggest anything to you? Apparently, Norma and Robert used to be an item, and when they coincidentally have hotel rooms beside each other while on their honeymoons, they have awkward yet passionate confrontations that lead to obvious consequences.
Backstory to my history with Norma and Robert: When I used to see Norma's movies about the rich upper crust years ago, those movies (The Last of Mrs. Cheyney, Riptide etc.) didn't do much for me. The movies seemed too superficial and/or glossy to me with the empty lives of rich people who all they do is party and drink. Also, I used to not like Robert Montgomery, because he came across as arrogant and he acted like he thought he was funny and was the cat's meow. Then I saw "The Earl of Chicago," and I really liked him in that.
But I had never seen this movie and, when it came on TCM recently, I was curious. I really, really liked it, due in part to two main reasons: the magnetic chemistry between Norma and Robert and the fluid writing. There is one scene in particular that lasts at least 10 minutes and the conversation between Norma and Robert was very natural and the thought processes at work led to one idea or thought very casually and realistically, from love to hate to sorry to love. The chemistry was sizzling, as they shared love, fought and made up. Watching them spar off at each other was fascinating. And later Reginald and Una had a great scene at the breakfast table. All the acting was fantastic. I could watch this over and over again. I'm wondering if this movie is better than other Norma movies because this was based on a Noel Coward play. If you love Norma Shearer and/or Robert Montgomery, then don't miss this!
Backstory to my history with Norma and Robert: When I used to see Norma's movies about the rich upper crust years ago, those movies (The Last of Mrs. Cheyney, Riptide etc.) didn't do much for me. The movies seemed too superficial and/or glossy to me with the empty lives of rich people who all they do is party and drink. Also, I used to not like Robert Montgomery, because he came across as arrogant and he acted like he thought he was funny and was the cat's meow. Then I saw "The Earl of Chicago," and I really liked him in that.
But I had never seen this movie and, when it came on TCM recently, I was curious. I really, really liked it, due in part to two main reasons: the magnetic chemistry between Norma and Robert and the fluid writing. There is one scene in particular that lasts at least 10 minutes and the conversation between Norma and Robert was very natural and the thought processes at work led to one idea or thought very casually and realistically, from love to hate to sorry to love. The chemistry was sizzling, as they shared love, fought and made up. Watching them spar off at each other was fascinating. And later Reginald and Una had a great scene at the breakfast table. All the acting was fantastic. I could watch this over and over again. I'm wondering if this movie is better than other Norma movies because this was based on a Noel Coward play. If you love Norma Shearer and/or Robert Montgomery, then don't miss this!