Beyond The Rocks (1922)

In order to help her family out, a young girl (Gloria Swanson) marries a rich older man (Robert Bolder) even though she doesn't love him. While on her honeymoon in the Swiss Alps, she encounters a handsome playboy (Rudolph Valentino) and falls in love but she is torn between that love and loyalty to her husband. Based on the novel by Elinor Glyn and directed by Sam Wood (A NIGHT AT THE OPERA). Long thought as a lost film and only rediscovered in the Netherlands 17 years ago. Notable as the only teaming of two legendary stars of the silent screen, Swanson and Valentino. As to the film itself, it's a rather touching romance that manages to not to be saccharine and is even handed when dealing with the three protagonists. Bolder as the cuckolded husband isn't portrayed as a lecherous old fool lusting after a younger bride, he's portrayed as a decent man. Which makes it harder for Swanson's wife to betray him and her guilt is genuine. In a change of pace, Valentino doesn't play an exotic lover, he's a normal guy here. The print I saw had a lovely score by Henny Vrienten which was quite effective. With Mabel Van Buren, Alec B. Francis and Gertrude Astor.