Temptation

Sometimes one can endure the barest of plots in a Warner Brothers Kay Francis melodrama merely to enjoy the parade of Orry-Kelly creations that Kay wore so perfectly. So it is in this dark melodrama, as semi-glacial Merle Oberon parades across lush sets in an amazing assemblage of distinctive, detailed costumes that put to shame the average melodrama. Oberon marries Egyptologist Brent not for adventure or to help him dig up a legendary mummy, but to be able to have riches for life, to be able to mingle with the well-do-to without apology and it isn't long before she falls afoul of someone not unlike her, an alluring lothario with looks and cunning; as their lusts cool, it doesn't take long for them to start plotting nasty deeds.

But it isn't really the plot that moves this fascinating story along--it's a sense of lush studio style at it's richest, peopled with largely unfamiliar but compelling character actors that provide the sense of a larger world outside. Strong soundtrack, impressive set decor and above all, one magnificent fashion creation after another provide fascination for the viewer who can deal with the melodrama.

After an undefined past, Merle Oberon decides to marry a wealthy man and does in archeologist George Brent. He whisks her away to Egypt, where he is busy archeologizing. Enjoying her newly luxurious life, she falls in love with local prince Charles Korvin. They hatch a plan to poison Brent and enjoy the wealth, when they are not busy enjoying each other.

This A picture from International Picture -- soon to merge with Universal -- shows the peculiarities of the Production Code. It's ok to poison your husband (so long as eventually you suffer some sort of penalty, usually divinely imposed) but not to show how you became a Bad Woman; I suppose that would be seen as some sort of justification. Also, you can let the audience infer an extra-marital affair, so long as you don't do anything to show it. Either that, or producer Edward Small decided to horsetrade that away for some indiscretion elsewhere. It has been reported that the Majors would emasculate one movie in return for something spicy in another. International, with a total production of ten movies before its merger probably didn't have much to offer in its string.

Miss Oberon is quite lovely and dresses very well, although director Irving Pichel thinks that the way to show an actress is being evil is to make her glare and shoot from below. With Paul Lukas, Arnold Moss, and Ludwig Stossel.

I was a little bit put off watching this movie, because I read a few reviews that didn't give it justice however, I'm glad I decided to go over it with my own eyes because it turned out to be a good quality story of lust and greed and murder. Ms Oberon played the part of the wife and femme fatale to perfection. After visiting the Harley street doctor who encouraged her first husband to divorce her due to her infidelities she finds another unsuspecting wealthy man. (She first learns about his passion) Her interest in him & beauty captures his weak & gullible heart into marrying her which from then shows us what she's all about. The ending was also surprising.

Merle Oberon gives an outstanding fin di ciecle fashion show as she venomously snakes her way around men to achieve her aims in Temptation. Maintaining cool and calm amid the heat of Cairo, she attempts to dissemble the men around her with both beauty and cunning.

Recently divorced Ruby (Oberon) sets her plan into action on her next victim and eventual husband, famed Egyptologist, Nigel Armine (George Brent). She is soon bored with the leisure existence and makes the acquaintance of Mahoud, a con man (Charles Korvin) that she soon falls deeply for. When he wants to call it quits, she reluctantly agrees to an outlandish request so they can be together.

Coquette, Ruby, is a manipulative and narcissistic work of art as she glides between vast wealth and on the brink of destitute. Confidently parading about in highly stylish frocks with the confidence of a princess.

Irving Pichel's direction is less than inspired, scenes flat in spots while Brent, Korvin, and Paul Lukas lend solid support while clearing the runway for the sartorial resplendent Ms. Oberon.

I was surfing online and came across this film, that I had never heard of before and figured, what the heck, I'll check it out. And I'm glad I did!

It's set in Cairo in the 1900's, and since anything set in past times (with past outfits) captures my attention, it was off to a good start. It's quite a story, as Ruby (Merle Oberon), a woman with a less than stellar past, determines to marry Egyptologist Nigel (George Brent) and gain some security and respectability. It's a one-sided love match, as her feelings for him don't go much above slight fondness.

Bored with her life in Cairo, being left alone too much, and the society couples they're compelled to entertain, Ruby amuses herself by coming to the aid of a young women who has written indiscreet letters to the charismatic Baroudi (Charles Korvin), she ends up falling for his charms, and soon they're lovers. Among his many flaws, Baroudi is a compulsive gambler, and when Ruby thwarts his attempt to woo a young heiress, she finds herself agreeing to a plot to murder Nigel, leaving the two of them free to start over, with her widow's wealth.

Soon, however, Ruby's conscience gets the better of her, and then everything begins to spiral.

I don't think you'll regret watching this.