Returning from World War I service are millionaire John Gilbert (as Jerry Seevers) and comic relief pal El Brendel (as Axel "Swede" Axelson). Mr. Gilbert aches for pretty fiancée Madge Evans (as Anne), but she has fallen in love with another man. An alcoholic, Gilbert begins a serious binge. He attaches himself to beautiful but poor blonde Lois Moran (as Dot), who is looking for millionaire companionship. Gilbert continues drinking heavily, proposes to Ms. Moran, and the two are quickly married...
The next morning, Gilbert wakes up with the shakes. He offers Moran a generous settlement to end the "gin marriage," but she says she really loves Gilbert. Moran began as a gold-digger, but has now fallen in love with Gilbert. She pledges to save the marriage, win Gilbert's love, and help him his battle with the bottle. Gilbert flees to his ranch, and Moran follows. The couple is further challenged when he reveals a secret, and she attracts attention from Gilbert's ranch foreman Ralph Bellamy (as Mac)...
The scene played between Mr. Brendel and Chinese cook Willie Fung (as Wing) is more jaw-dropping than side-splitting. Watch as the two heavily accented men cure indigestion by rubbing each other's bellies, then socking each other in the genitals. The comic elements seriously drag this interesting drama down; possibly, Brendel was included to highlight Gilbert's relatively deep, masculine voice. Otherwise, this film isn't hazardous. Gilbert was given Brendel, a good part, and an attractive vis-à-vis.
***** West of Broadway (11/28/31) Harry Beaumont ~ John Gilbert, Lois Moran, El Brendel, Ralph Bellamy
The next morning, Gilbert wakes up with the shakes. He offers Moran a generous settlement to end the "gin marriage," but she says she really loves Gilbert. Moran began as a gold-digger, but has now fallen in love with Gilbert. She pledges to save the marriage, win Gilbert's love, and help him his battle with the bottle. Gilbert flees to his ranch, and Moran follows. The couple is further challenged when he reveals a secret, and she attracts attention from Gilbert's ranch foreman Ralph Bellamy (as Mac)...
The scene played between Mr. Brendel and Chinese cook Willie Fung (as Wing) is more jaw-dropping than side-splitting. Watch as the two heavily accented men cure indigestion by rubbing each other's bellies, then socking each other in the genitals. The comic elements seriously drag this interesting drama down; possibly, Brendel was included to highlight Gilbert's relatively deep, masculine voice. Otherwise, this film isn't hazardous. Gilbert was given Brendel, a good part, and an attractive vis-à-vis.
***** West of Broadway (11/28/31) Harry Beaumont ~ John Gilbert, Lois Moran, El Brendel, Ralph Bellamy