The plot is pretty simple and this 65 minute film is in general pretty average, with one exception – Norma Shearer, who is so charming I rounded my review score up a bit. She's the epitome of the 1920's flapper – playful, adventurous, and in control of her own destiny. She's also smart, sexy in a natural way, and has an infectious laugh – truly a delight to watch. She plays the spunky daughter of a couple who divorce, and later finds herself unknowingly falling in love with Robert Montgomery, the son of her father's new wife, setting up inner conflict. I love how we see her character playing polo, diving from a high board, and canoeing in a storm – and also how we see her romantic, and in control of how far she wants to take things. She occasionally overacts but is so natural and spontaneous otherwise that I'm not surprised she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance.
Review of Their Own Desire
