This film was an adaptation of a Eugene O'Neill play in which the characters express themselves through thought rather than dialogue. Boy genius Irving Thalberg usually carefully guided the career of his wife, Norma Shearer, but after a long string of talking picture victories he must have been just a little too sure of himself this time. This project had everything that makes a great MGM drama - good production values, great cast, and an interesting story. It also has the odd device of the players making odd silent-era type faces and gestures while their inner thoughts are expressed in voice-overs. This last little item makes it an unintentionally funny film. Didn't anyone involved in this project see Groucho Marx' "strange interlude" scene in Animal Crackers two years before and see how all of this might play out comically instead of dramatically as intended? I guess not.
Anyways, I do not agree with the low rating here. It really is an interesting story if you can just look/listen past the "strange audibles". I'd still recommend it.
Anyways, I do not agree with the low rating here. It really is an interesting story if you can just look/listen past the "strange audibles". I'd still recommend it.