His Double Life

She had been quite captivating in her silents, and now I got the chance to watch her talkie, and she didn't disappoint, may be performed better than the silents. In that era, quite a few silent stars had tended to over-act, but not Lilian. Ronald, as Priam Farrel, the seclusive artist, as mentioned elsewhere, has been a bit too meek, but that could always be attributed to his Enochlophobia, probably assisted by his domineering cousin at childhood. Most of the areas I could bear with it, except some of the segments were a bit excessive even for that (e.g. the scene at Abbey). But not Lilian, as Alice, the girl, crossing the nubile age, despite having a bit of dowry to offer. A plain, matter of fact, and altogether inartistic-minded girl - "That is a bit much for a painting of a cop isn't it?" but practical, beyond doubt. One of the most brilliant scenes were with the Leek family at the tea, and several times trying to protect Priam, by folding him in her wings, either with Oxford, or in court. It is Lilian's movie all the way, and she had more than made up for the many weakness in plot.

Rented a DVD of the Young-Gish "Double Life" because the plot seemed interesting. Watched it once, then watched it again because Alice (played by Lillian Gish) was so remarkable. Then read the play "The Great Adventure" the movie was adapted from. Then read the novel "Buried Alive" the play was based on. Alice went from "a plain widow" in the book to "a nice little package" in the play to the beautiful Lillian in the movie. And the plots and endings of the three works varied extensively. But the personality of Alice (aka Janet) is consistent. She is the eminently sensible, practical woman. A rare creature. Any sensible man would be delighted to have her as his companion. Watch this movie if only to experience the character of Alice.

To say this movie, so to speak under-performs is an understatement. This situation comedy starts of charmingly with wit and the right amount of pathos. But the lucrid tone in the second part, especially the court room scene which is an example of unnecessary sumptuous foolishness, silliness and infantility of the highest order is a plain embarassment. Gish and Young are both fine and have a nice and cool chemistry. But the temere ending of this b-programmer leaves you feeling you just wasted 66 minutes of your time.

In my opinion, His Double Life is a sweet, charming adaptation of the venerable Arnold Bennett play Buried Alive. Roland Young plays Priam Farrell, a famous and reclusive artist who is loath to return to London to accept a knighthood. Hoping to drop out of sight, Farrell trades identities with his recently deceased valet. So far as the world is concerned, Farrell himself has died, allowing him to start life all over again with spinster Alice (Lillian Gish), whom he - or rather the man he is pretending to be - had been corresponding with through a matrimonial bureau. Complications arise when the dead valet's family pops up with the intention of accusing Young of bigamy! Filmed at the Astoria Studios in Long Island, His Double Life was for many years withdrawn from circulation because of its 1943 remake, Holy Matrimony.

More than three quarters of a century after its release, this gem retains its delightful sparkle. The charming story of confused identity is enhanced by Roland Young's captivating portrayal of the delicately neurotic Priam Farrell. It is a treat to see the enormously talented Young in a film preceding "Topper" by several years. Not surprisingly, Lillian Gish is superb as his stabilizing love interest. The heroine of "Birth of a Nation" and "Broken Blossoms" handles her role with ease befitting a truly great actress.

It would be an unfair mistake to judge the quality of this work using more modern films as a standard. To do so would be the hallmark of a fragile ego hungry for validation, using unfounded, ignorant, and empty criticism. Enjoy this film for what it is, a well-acted story, albeit somewhat dated.