Made for Love

Leatrice Joy makes this film, set in modern Egypt, an intense and unusual experience. She transforms a bare bones script about a research team on an archaeological mission, into an aptly titled semi-erotic fantasy, quite titillating for its time. One can easily see why Cecil B. DeMille wanted to hang on to her as an actress for his films, and why he didn't want her to give it up to enjoy domestic bliss with John Gilbert (if such a pipe dream was ever possible anyway). As one cameraman remarked: "she has no bad sides". She photographed well from every angle. You can take Leatrice Joy out of the silent era, pluck her down in 2003, and she'd fit right in with a Gwyneth Paltrow.

It almost hurts to see her character dying for some attention from her scientist beau. How dumb can a man be, to prefer some old pottery to Leatrice's gorgeous frame? Eventually a near-death experience brings the two lovers together, and despite the humorous touches from several secondary characters intruding on them at the end, one cannot help but be moved at Leatrice's sublime happiness, when her lover places his head on her breast, and the fade out takes place.

Another gem from Leatrice Joy and Paul Sloane. This time our heroine is visiting her archaeologist boyfriend in Egypt, but he is more interested in his diggings than in her. She soon teaches him the error of his ways - in a highly erotic finale where they are locked in a tomb together.

Joy is pursued meanwhile by three desperate suitors who share some good slapstick moments, and some evil Arabs. There is even a flashback sequence to ancient Egypt where Joy and Burns play doomed ancient lovers. And it is beautifully costumed, designed and photographed.

Watch Joy compare her arm to the arm of an ancient cup that her boyfriend describes as beyond compare. This is magnificent silent film acting. Joy's very short haircut must have been quite revolutionary in its day. She looks absolutely gorgeous. Discover this brilliant actress!