Summary
In this 1927 silent farce, the foundations of a five-year marriage crumble when Leonard Stoddard, seeking validation rather than resolution, abandons his wife Victoria for the studio of Helen Davis. Leonard’s departure, framed by Victoria’s tears, sets off a chain reaction of retaliatory romantic escapades. While Leonard and Helen attempt to flee their social constraints, Victoria finds an unlikely partner in Antonio Russo, an actor whose life is defined by artifice. The narrative shifts from the urban landscape to the isolated ranch of George La Fuente, a wealthy bachelor who becomes the unwitting host to both runaway couples. When the four protagonists are forced into a singular domestic space, the film transforms into a claustrophobic comedy of manners. Victoria and Leonard are forced to maintain a charade of anonymity, treating their spouse as a stranger over a dinner table laden with suppressed resentment. As the physical and emotional toll of their flight manifests in a literal cold for Leonard, the power dynamics shift, leading to a final confrontation where the host himself becomes a romantic catalyst.
Synopsis
After five years of married life, Leonard Stoddard leaves his Victoria in tears and goes to the studio of Helen Davis, an artist, for sympathy. Believing that he loves her, Helen agrees to run away with him. Victoria, meanwhile, takes her troubles to Antonio Russo, an actor, and they also decide to run away. Helen and Leonard become stranded and are put up at the ranch of George La Fuente, a wealthy bachelor; and soon after, Victoria and Antonio arrive, lost and in quest of lodging. At dinner, Victoria and Leonard pretend to be strangers. Later, recriminations follow, but La Fuente intervenes and demands that they retire to their respective rooms. The following day, Victoria sympathizes with her husband, who has contracted a cold; but she is at last forced to accept La Fuente's declaration of love.
