The Affairs of Anatol

Socialite Anatol Spencer, finding his relationship with his wife lackluster, goes in search of excitement. After bumping into old flame Emilie, he lets an apartment for her only to find that she cheats on him. He is subsequently robbed, conned, and booted from pillar to post. He decides to return to his wife and discovers her carousing with his best friend Max.

This film is essentially about the performances. The story is, frankly, silly. "Anatol" (Wallace Reid) is a bit of a cad, really. He may dress it up as a search for a more fulfilling love than that which he obtains from wife "Vivian" (Gloria Swanson), but he is just a wealthy womaniser who largely reaps what he sows in a series of escapades that see him seduce, get robbed, fleeced and generally played by a variety of scheming, manipulative or just plain opportunistic women until the whole thing comes full circle - and, now low and behold - his delightful wife has decided that perhaps two can play at the game - with her slightly needy friend "Max' (Elliott Dexter). I found the repetitive nature of the plot a bit dreary, and though it's wonderfully shot by De Mille it just drags on for way too long.There is far more intensity in the first hour - with some fun hypnotism from Theodore Kossoff (an unlikely choice for the Hindu "Nazzer Singh") and a wonderfully cathartic temper tantrum from Reid that could put Pickfords out of business for ever. For me - that might have been where to cut it short. As it continues, though, the hypocrisy of the characterisations become a little overwhelming. "It's amazing how tight the shoe can pinch - when it's on the other foot" is a cracking line from Swanson and sums the whole thing up nicely - just after too circuitous a route.