I watched "My Past" (1931) with Bebe Daniels, Lewis Stone, and Ben Lyon. Also in the cast are Joan Blondell in her eighth film and Natalie Moorhead. I really enjoyed this very, very Pre-Code film, but I must admit that my wife found it unnerving and didn't like it. She felt she would never have been able to trust Ben Lyon from his behavior in the film. Well, I think that the film shows the Fitzgeraldian sense of twenties rebellion with and against ideas of Victorian marriage very well. It may not be what the viewer believes in at all, but it does a good job of doing what it set out to do. Actually, Lewis Stone is a step away from Fitzgeraldian because he portrays a much older man in this film, more in line with Victorian morality (which wasn't especially 'moral', and that's what Stone represents) rather than the twenties.
Ben Lyon is 'married' (in name only) to Natalie Moorhead in the film. She's definitely NOT 'married' in the sense of the vow on the certificate! She's been over in Paris having an affair with someone while he's been involved almost neurotically with business on this end. Then comes Bebe Daniels, an actress who's known Lewis Stone for seven years and who has been having a relationship (but evidently not a physical one) with him for all those years. Well, when Lyon becomes involved, eventually there is a consummation with Stone and Daniels. All kinds of 'at sea' problems ensue. In the end, Daniels and Lyon end up together, Moorhead off of the register and Stone creating the bridge that leads to the togetherness of the two.
I really liked this film. I think it shows the times quite well. It's edgy, and it's meant to be. It must have been something to talk about in its day. Blondell, by the way, is about as good looking in this film as she ever appeared in film! She's a knockout! Moorhead is good as always, but basically wasted in a role made too small. Daniels, the more I watch her, is simply amazing as an actress. She's not showy at all; very subtle, in fact; and a fine actress for it. I've watched Daniels at least three times in the past week or so, and she's taken scenes from others, sometimes leading actors, without even trying.
I enjoyed this one immensely - even if Margaret didn't...
Ben Lyon is 'married' (in name only) to Natalie Moorhead in the film. She's definitely NOT 'married' in the sense of the vow on the certificate! She's been over in Paris having an affair with someone while he's been involved almost neurotically with business on this end. Then comes Bebe Daniels, an actress who's known Lewis Stone for seven years and who has been having a relationship (but evidently not a physical one) with him for all those years. Well, when Lyon becomes involved, eventually there is a consummation with Stone and Daniels. All kinds of 'at sea' problems ensue. In the end, Daniels and Lyon end up together, Moorhead off of the register and Stone creating the bridge that leads to the togetherness of the two.
I really liked this film. I think it shows the times quite well. It's edgy, and it's meant to be. It must have been something to talk about in its day. Blondell, by the way, is about as good looking in this film as she ever appeared in film! She's a knockout! Moorhead is good as always, but basically wasted in a role made too small. Daniels, the more I watch her, is simply amazing as an actress. She's not showy at all; very subtle, in fact; and a fine actress for it. I've watched Daniels at least three times in the past week or so, and she's taken scenes from others, sometimes leading actors, without even trying.
I enjoyed this one immensely - even if Margaret didn't...