The libertine son (Rudolph Valentino) of a wealthy Frenchman (Josef Swickard) living in Argentina, follows his family when they return to Europe. He lives as an artist in Paris and falls in love with a married woman (Alice Terry). When WWI breaks out, he remains aloof from the conflict. Based on the novel by Vicente Blasco Ibanez (BLOOD AND SAND) and directed by Rex Ingram (1922's SCARAMOUCHE). A massive box office hit (the highest grossing movie of 1921) and it made Rudolph Valentino into a superstar in the silent era. Unusual since although there is a romance at the movie's core, it's remains a fiercely anti war movie. WWI had ended only three years prior so I suspect their bitterness and pain made the subject relatable to U.S. audiences. Curiously, Valentino's wastrel is hedonistic and narcissistic for the majority of the film and only redeems himself at the end. Neither his character or Alice Terry's adulterous wife are very appealing (as characters, not actors). While I enjoyed it, it felt overlong and didactic in execution. It's still a racy film what with female nudity, lesbians and German soldiers in drag! Remade in 1962. With Alan Hale, John St. Polis, Wallace Beery and Bridgetta Clark.
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