Review of Beyond the Rocks (1922) by Spencer S — 22 Feb 2011

A lost film in the annuls of history, Beyond the Rocks was found, restored, and subtitled for the enjoyment of the masses. Sadly, my enjoyment was quelmed by the lackluster equivalent to my wildest fantasies.

I do give creedence in every aspect that I can: the loss of sound, the loss in quality over the last 90 years, the overacting, the extravagant costuming, and the difference in movies today. I can forgive all of these things, look past them, and survey the quality of the actual film.

Those things said, it was bad. It was gruesome. Written by shockster Elinor Glyn and directed by De Mille protege Sam Wood, the plot was shamelessly boring. I do give kudos to the angle of her deep devotion to her rich, ugly husband though she was in love with the aristocratic Valentino, who she shared magically dramatic chemistry with.

Still, Swanson's future work is filled with much more intelligent films.