Indiscreet
Directed by Leo McCarey
Written by Buddy G. DeSylva, Lew Brown, and Ray Henderson
1931/USA
Joseph M. Schenck for Feature Productions
First viewing/Amazon Prime
[box] Jim Woodward: Let’s start this New Year’s right.
Geraldine Trent: I am starting it right, with myself.[/box]
As the film begins, Geraldine Trent (Gloria Swanson) is breaking things off with her philandering lover. Segue to somewhat later and she meets the author of a book called “Obey That Impulse”. They are kindred spirits and quickly fall in love. Shortly after they become engaged, Gerry’s kid sister returns from school in Paris with her ex-lover in tow. How will she warn her sister off the cad without revealing her sordid past?
The usually wonderful McCarey does not achieve the effortless charm of his later comedies in this film. There is way too much silent style acting, with poses substituting for emotion. The dialogue sometimes also feels stilted and plodding. Swanson sings a couple of songs in her trilling soprano. This is highly rated so your mileage may vary.
Montage of clips
