Customer Reviews

Splendor [VHS]

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A very dated but rather fascinating study of the power of wealth and contentment which is eventually found at the "bottom of the ladder". This was one of Sam Goldwyn's "cheeky" prestigious films that - in the midst of the Great Depression - lectured the hoi polloi on both the virtues of marital fidelity and genteel poverty! Matriachal Mrs. Lorrimore, head of the the once wealthy Lorrimore clan, schemes to save the family fortunes by organising a "profitable marriage". Joel McCrea is infinitely wholesome as usual, but the picture is practically saved - in a large part, anyway - by the playing of Miriam Hopkins in her role as the unfortunate - but eventually contented - Phylis Lorrimore. The notoriously poisonious Lorrimores are additionally enacted by the excellent Helen Westley as the sour old beldame with the face of curds, Katherine Alexander as Martha and David Niven (at 25, his American film debut) as Clancy, the ne'er-do-well son.

Marriage is never easy, and it is especially difficult if the couple has money problems. Add to the fact that the man (Joel McCrea) comes from a family that looks down upon wives with jobs but expects all the finest in life, and you have Splendor. Phyllis Lorrimore (Miriam Hopkins) wants to make the marraige work despite her husband's high expectations, but feels helpless and pressured by his family. When a rich friend (Paul Cavanagh) comes along and offers to help Mr. Lorrimore in return for Phyllis' companionship, she has a tough decision to make. She can risk losing her husband due to financial problems or lose her morality to give him what he wants.

An interesting film, Splendor depicts the pitfalls of wealth but also shows that love does not always heed desired results. Hopkins plays her part perfectly and carries the film with ease. McCrea is definitely a supporting actor to her brilliant performance. In her time, Hopkins was considered to rank with Bette Davis in her talent, but today is largely forgotten. She appeared in many good movies though, and this is no exception.