Gloria Swanson (as Gerry Trent) breaks it off with caddish Monroe Owsley (as Jim Woodward) in order to take up with novelist Ben Lyon (as Tony Blake). Later, Ms. Swanson's younger sister Barbara Kent (as Joan Trent) arrives - with the lover Swanson rejected! Swanson would rather little sister stick with boyish Arthur Lake (as Buster Collins); later, Mr. Lake will play Blondie's Dagwood Bumbstead. Star Swanson sings a couple of songs, and has an obligatory undressing / bathing scene.
Considering the strong personnel involved, this is a remarkably unsatisfactory film, even for an early "talkie". The "modern sophisticated comic" approach falls very flat (if that's what is intended). There is some suggestion of more "Adult" encounters than are present in the players' dialog - for example, Swanson breaks up with boyfriend Owsley and hands him his golf clubs; so, what are his golf clubs doing at her place? And, a later rain scene suggests Swanson had bedded down with the just-proposed Lyon. Swanson's portrayal is remarkably unsteady, at times, for a very accomplished actress who had already successfully transitioned from silent to sound. The material offered in "Indiscreet" couldn't have done much to advance anyone's career; unfortunately, Swanson is particularly slighted, being the star.
*** Indiscreet (4/25/31) Leo McCarey ~ Gloria Swanson, Ben Lyon, Arthur Lake, Barbara Kent
Considering the strong personnel involved, this is a remarkably unsatisfactory film, even for an early "talkie". The "modern sophisticated comic" approach falls very flat (if that's what is intended). There is some suggestion of more "Adult" encounters than are present in the players' dialog - for example, Swanson breaks up with boyfriend Owsley and hands him his golf clubs; so, what are his golf clubs doing at her place? And, a later rain scene suggests Swanson had bedded down with the just-proposed Lyon. Swanson's portrayal is remarkably unsteady, at times, for a very accomplished actress who had already successfully transitioned from silent to sound. The material offered in "Indiscreet" couldn't have done much to advance anyone's career; unfortunately, Swanson is particularly slighted, being the star.
*** Indiscreet (4/25/31) Leo McCarey ~ Gloria Swanson, Ben Lyon, Arthur Lake, Barbara Kent