THE SPORTING VENUS must have been a major film for LB Mayer (who gets credit as producer) since it boasts major stars and tons of location work. Indeed the opening credits brag of location shooting in England, Scotland, France, and the United States.
Familiar story of spoiled heiress, Blanche Sweet, who dabbles in romance with commoner Ronald Colman. They roam the highlands together hunting since this is Sweet's "sport." They seem to have an idyllic affair going when into the mix comes an impoverished prince (Lew Cody). He determines to steal away the heiress and pay off his creditors. Indeed, this is the plan he shares with them.
Since Colman is "not suitable" for marriage to a titled lady, he bows out and leaves Sweet to the devices of Cody. The new "Sporting Venus" becomes the darling of the nightclub set and wanders the European watering holes with Cody. She also spends the fortune she has inherited.
Broke and desperate, she sells the family estate in Scotland and throws Cody out when she discovers he is also broke, although he constantly brags about his estates in Portugonia.
Sweet makes her way back home only to discover that Colman is the new owner of her family estate.
Colman and Cody perform well here in stock roles. Colman is actually funny in his kilt and braided jacket and has fun with the costume. Cody is suitably slimy and gets his reward when his creditors force him to marry an ancient Countess (Josephine Crowell). But center stage is Blanche Sweet, the fabled star of the teens who continued her starring career right into early talkies. This film was made 2 years after she shocked thew public in ANNA Christie. Never a classic beauty, Sweet is still quite alluring in this film with the straight-styled sheaths of the 20s flattering her thin figure. She also sports a handsome hair-do.
THE SPORTING VENUS is certainly not a major film, but it's an enjoyable little bauble.
