"A Woman Of Affairs" (1928)

[diane]

I bought this film even though I didn't know what it
was about - I thought it was going to be some
syrupy romance. How wrong I was!!!
Garbo gave an absolutely astonishing performance as
Diana Merrick, a wild young girl, who along with her
dissipated brother Jeffry has all of Mayfair talking.
She and Neville (John Gilbert) love each other, but his
father is determined to keep them apart by sending
Neville to Egypt. During the next few years
Diana marries David (Johnny Mack Brown) the third
friend who Jeffry has a huge (too huge) hero worship of.
David kills himself on their wedding night and everyone
is led to believe it is because of something he has learned
about Diana's past. I won't give away the end but the
scene in the hospital Garbo gives a mesmerizing performance
- she is in hospital suffering from a nervous breakdown and
as she deliriously wanders the hospital corridors looking for
Neville's roses, everyone in the scene is transfixed (I'd like
to think with awe of Greta's acting ability).
John Gilbert gives a pretty flat performance, I know it would
be hard to inject much life into those spineless parts but
still. Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. almost outshone Garbo (but not
fquite!!!) He really gave the part his all - and I was really
suprised. Dorothy Sebastian was nice as Constance and
Lewis Stone was, as usual, reliable as Diana's only friend
and protector. I would highly recommend this movie.
As well beautiful Anita Louise played Diana as a child.

[Midge]

Great review, Diane. I think that was one of Garbo's best films. The scene in the hospital corridor was heartbreaking.

[rmichaelpyle]

Although I think "Flesh and the Devil" is Garbo's best photographed film - indeed, one of the finest of the silent era - nevertheless, my favorite film of hers is "A Woman of Affairs". It's a marvelous piece, and, yes, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. shines in this one. It's a great cast in the first place. It would be difficult to find fault with any of the players.

[kelly]

OH Yeah I always thought Garbo character suffer miscarriage they couldn't say it this before they start crack down on movie industry

[Midge]

Apr 1, 2010 13:27:52 GMT -6 kelly said:

OH Yeah I always thought Garbo character suffer miscarriage they couldn't say it this before they start crack down on movie industry

I always assumed it was an abortion, but either situation would have been taboo on screen. When Garbo cradles the bouquet of flowers in her arms, we are supposed to interpret this as mourning for her lost child.