A WOMAN OF AFFAIRS (1928) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Clarence Brown

Written by - Michael Arlen, Bess Meredyth, Marian Ainslee, Ruth Cummings

Starring - John Gilbert, Greta Garbo

"A WOMAN OF AFFAIRS was based on the MICHAEL ARLEN novel and later stage adaptation THE GREEN HAT. ARLEN also contributed to the big screen rendition of his work, and despite the taming down of many elements of the narrative, namely the lack of reference to drug addiction and homosexuality, it still feels rather daring for the time. 

Adapted by screen veteran CLARENCE NASH, the film offers few stylistic embellishments, but the narrative, which revolves around class division and the drama that ensues from childhood sweethearts forbidden to marry, unravels at a good consistent pace that makes its many twists all the more rewarding. 

It also features a great cast of some revered players, such as JOHN GILBERT and DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS JR., the latter in show stealing form in the role of the psychologically troubled brother of the woman in the pivotal couple of star-crossed lovers. 

Of course, the film is also very much driven by the charisma of its legendary leading star GRETA GARBO, who is sensational and able to add a third dimension to her character that might otherwise have risked being an archetype. She is also quite able to infuse the scenes in which the melodrama could have appeared too heavy handed with grace and sincerity."

Drama, USA