It's marvelous how far you could get in Hollywood if you were a well-dressed clothes dummy of a man, six feet tall, with very regular features, a cultivated voice and a subtle air of confidence. As a hero, Hughes was never overpowering and always seemed to defer to the heroine. He was well-cast opposite Colleen Moore in "Ella Cinders" (1926) in which he cleverly managed to project an air of couldn't-care-less self-confidence despite his usual, customary deference. In this movie too he's appropriately cast. June Collyer walks all over him. He plays her weak husband – and plays it well – but one has the uneasy feeling that Hughes' lack of charisma goes a little too far. In fact, we feel quite sorry for June and are glad to see that she is playing around. She's selfish to the nth degree, but with a well-dressed boob for a husband (who no doubt fails to satisfy her), who could blame her for looking elsewhere? Admittedly, Jameson Thomas – a transparent heel if ever there was one – is not exactly a wise choice. But June Collyer is so gorgeous, she doesn't need to have brains too – but that of course is exactly why she needs a strong husband, not a boob like Lloyd/Fred. It also comes as no surprise to discover that Fred is as weak a businessman as he is at keeping his wife happy and in line. So far, so good. The writers have set up the plot well but now they bungle it and turn to melodrama to force June back into Fred's incompetent arms! Phil Rosen directs this turnaround in a choppy, off-key, melodramatic style that negates much of the good work he has put in beforehand. All told, not a satisfying film – but at least it runs only 62 minutes! Available on a very good Alpha DVD.
Review of Extravagance
