Review of Their Own Desire (1929) by John B — 13 Feb 2014
Clunky, episodic early talkie is a good example of the rough edges that film went through in the transition from silent to sound. Most of the performers were silent stars and are obviously still adjusting their performing style to the different requirement of the microphone.
Norma, who was inexplicably nominated for an Oscar for this overemphatic performance, is best in her speechless moments and Robert Montgomery, one of the few actors not moving from silence to sound but still new to films is awkward and overly fond of practically being on top of the other person in his scenes.
The great silent star Belle Bennett, rather preposterously cast as Norma's mother they were only eleven years apart in age, is effective though some of her gestures also hark back to a more silent form of pantomime.
The movie overall works best in those passages where dialogue isn't required. There is a lovely dancing scene that flows far more smoothly than any other in the film.
This review of Their Own Desire (1929) was written by John B on 13 Feb 2014.
Their Own Desire has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
