Gloria Swanson is kind of a mess in Indiscreet (1931)

Is this worth your time?

If you like watching old movies where people wear fancy pajamas and talk really fast, then yes. It is a good time.

People who hate melodrama or movies that feel like filmed stage plays should probably stay away from this one. It gets pretty loud.

I watched this on a Tuesday night when I didn't want to think too much. It’s got Gloria Swanson at her most frantic, which is always fun to see.

The story is about Geraldine. She’s got a secret past with a guy named Jim, who is basically a human trash bag.

When Jim shows up again, he isn't after Geraldine. He’s trying to marry her little sister, Joan.

The whole movie is just Geraldine trying to stop this from happening without ruining her own new relationship. It's a lot of stressful whispering in hallways.

I noticed that the lighting in the first ten minutes is really bright. Like, everyone looks like they are standing inside a lightbulb.

There is this one scene where Swanson decides to pretend she is still in love with Jim to gross him out. She starts acting completely insane.

She’s throwing pillows and screaming and it’s honestly the best part of the whole thing. It reminded me a bit of the energy in Some Baby but with more expensive dresses.

Ben Lyon plays the new boyfriend, Tony. He’s fine, I guess, but he mostly just stands there looking confused while Gloria does all the work.

The writing is by Leo McCarey, so you expect it to be funny. And it is, mostly in the physical stuff.

But the dramatic parts feel a bit heavy. Like they are trying to be deep but the movie is too short for all that.

I really liked the sister, Joan. Barbara Kent plays her with this very anxious energy that feels real.

There’s a bit with a letter that goes on for way too long. You just want them to open the envelope already.

The sets are incredible though. Everything looks like it costs more than my house.

It’s weird seeing Arthur Lake in this. He’s the guy who played Dagwood later on, and he’s just as goofy here as he is in One Exciting Day.

One thing that bugged me was the sound quality. It’s an early talkie, so sometimes it sounds like they are recording inside a tin can.

You can hear the actors hitting their marks on the floor sometimes. It’s kind of charming in a clunky way.

The ending feels like it was written in five minutes. Everything just... stops.

I wish we saw more of the fallout. But I guess back then they just wanted a happy ending and a fade to black.

It isn't a masterpiece like some other stuff from that year. But it’s got a lot of personality.

If you enjoy seeing Swanson use her eyes to take up 80% of the screen, you’ll be happy. 🎬

Anyway, it's a decent watch if you're into the era. Just don't expect it to change your life or anything.