In England, American designer Gloria Swanson (as Judith "Judy" Rogers) and London playboy Laurence Olivier (as Nicholas "Nick" Randall) are madly in love. To insure marriage won't ruin their bliss, they decide to wed with a unique "Perfect Understanding" contract. The pledge is, "Never to be husband and wife, but lover and mistress - and above everything else, to remain individual." After the honeymoon, Ms. Swanson decorates their London apartment while Mr. Olivier vacations in Cannes with friends Michael Farmer (Swanson's real-life husband) and Genevieve Tobin (as George and Kitty Drayton)...
The men show off chests in the new style of swimming trunks...
Before a boating race, Olivier drinks too much and beds ex-lover Nora Swinburne (as Stephanie). Consequently, Swanson must consider Olivier's request for forgiveness while being tempted to accept an invitation for extra-marital sex with John Halliday (as Ivan Ronnson). One of the biggest "silent" stars of the 1920s, Swanson made a successful transition to "talkies" - but audiences did not return to see her in roles like this. Accompanied by frequent dramatic flourishes of music, she makes little progress abandoning silent manners; ironically, "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) took full advantage of these skills.
**** Perfect Understanding (2/24/33) Cyril Gardner ~ Gloria Swanson, Laurence Olivier, Michael Farmer, Genevieve Tobin
The men show off chests in the new style of swimming trunks...
Before a boating race, Olivier drinks too much and beds ex-lover Nora Swinburne (as Stephanie). Consequently, Swanson must consider Olivier's request for forgiveness while being tempted to accept an invitation for extra-marital sex with John Halliday (as Ivan Ronnson). One of the biggest "silent" stars of the 1920s, Swanson made a successful transition to "talkies" - but audiences did not return to see her in roles like this. Accompanied by frequent dramatic flourishes of music, she makes little progress abandoning silent manners; ironically, "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) took full advantage of these skills.
**** Perfect Understanding (2/24/33) Cyril Gardner ~ Gloria Swanson, Laurence Olivier, Michael Farmer, Genevieve Tobin