A Mana de Paris

I just viewed this film (8-27-03) at the Stanford Theatre in Palo Alto. The review posted for this stated that the Constance Talmadge character posed as her "twin sister". After viewing the film, Ms. Talmadge actually played two parts, Helen and her twin sister Lola. In the film, Lola teaches Helen how to win back her husband using different "vampy" techniques

It is sometimes hard to judge a film of the 1920's by today's standards because we don't have the same context. This film has no worse a goal than a zillion sitcoms from the 1950's in which a husband who takes his wife for granted is brought to his senses through the attentions and dismissal by another woman. In this case, the "other woman" is La Perry, Constance's characters twin sister who is a stage and cabaret star in Paris. Unlike "The Guardsman" or "Two Faced Woman" in this film the little wife HAS a twin sister, as they are seen in split screen scenes together.

It is a modest morality tale with the erring husband returning to the faithful wife.

Of note in this film are the costumes by Adrian, later M.G.M.'s premiere designer. In those scenes which feature La Perry's stage act, we can see a glimpse of what Adrian had brought to Irving Berlin's Music Box Revues of 1922 - 1925 and his other Broadway credits of the early 1920's before going to Hollywood to design for Valentino in 1924.

Herr Sidney Franklin was one of those silent film directors whose work is a good example of craftsmanship and style. Unfortunately, his films have not gotten the attention they deserve which is surprising since he worked with many of the best actors and actresses in those silent days.

"Her Sister From Paris" (1925) is a good example of what this Herr Graf is talking about; a stylized comedy that works pretty well although at first sight it might seem a predictable and not very original film.

The film tells the story of Herr Joseph Weyringer and his wife ( Herr Ronald Colman and Constance Talmadge respectively ), they are in a not very amicable Austrian marriage and continually arguing with each other. The last big quarrel between them causes Herr Joseph's wife, Helen, to make the decision to leave her husband and go home to mother ( a dream come true for any commoner or aristocrat man! ). That same day, Helen's twin sister arrives in Vienna from the city of Paris where she is a very popular and fashionable artist known as "La Perry". She will help her sister with her disastrous marriage, planning that her sister impersonates her in order to win back her husband with the last Parisian charms and techniques.

With such a plot, obviously "Her Sister From Paris" is full of funny misunderstandings and confusing situations in which the changing female roles of the main characters ( Frau Constance Talmadge in a double role for the same expensive price ) create seductive scenes ( including an excessively and impudent kiss, too long by aristocratic standards ). The art of flirting is well demonstrated and we learn how a frustrated Austrian wife can transform herself from a dull housewife to a gorgeous modernen vamp and thus save her marriage by making it exciting again.

The actors are splendid; Herr Ronald Colman is perfect as the baffled husband willing to have an affair with his own sister-in-law though later he will feel guilt and torment and discover he does really love his wife, even though she has deceived him (a common situation world wide). Frau Constance Talmadge is equally good transforming herself from a vulgar bourgeoisie Austrian wife to a gorgeous Parisian vamp, a proper flapper of the time. No doubt she was greatly helped in her performance by Herr Franklin who was well known in those silent times as a film director capable of achieving excellent performances from his actresses although it must be said that Frau Talmadge was already a very important and successful comedy actress as can be seen in this deliciously wicked comedy.

And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count is waiting for a rich heiress' even richer sister from Saarbrücken.

Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com

In Vienna, neglected housewife Constance Talmadge (as Helen) decides to leave handsome husband Ronald Coleman (as Joseph Weyringer) and go home to mother. She stops off in Paris to see identical twin sister "Lola" (also played by Ms. Talmadge), a popular dancer known as "La Perry". The beautiful Talmadge gives the mousy Talmadge a make-over and you can probably figure out the basics of what eventually happens. While the two Talmadges meet, Mr. Coleman is persuaded by excited British pal George K. Arthur (as Robert "Bob" Well) to enjoy a night out on the town...

Naturally, the men see Talmadge on stage and courtships ensue...

This familiar storyline gets the required capable direction from Sidney Franklin with good work from the cast and crew to keep it lively and looking fresh. Notably adorned by Adrian, the single-named dresser who famously clothed Valentino and Garbo, the more comic Talmadge sister takes full advantage of the production. Playing a "split screen" dual role, Talmadge is at her best. "Her Sister from Paris" won Talmadge fine personal reviews, including a nomination as best performance of the season from "Motion Picture" magazine. The film shows deterioration in spots, but looks great.

******* Her Sister from Paris (8/2/25) Sidney Franklin ~ Constance Talmadge, Ronald Coleman, George K. Arthur, Gertrude Claire

Constance Talmadge plays a dual role here; dowdy Helen whose husband, Joseph (Ronald Colman) is bored with her; and showgirl La Perry, who has 'had kings at her feet'. And what a sparkling actress she was.

It's a rollicking saga of mistaken identity and foolish husbands, helped along by the comedy support of George K Arthur as besotted family friend Bob. The performances are all top-notch and even in a damaged print with many signs of deterioration, this film still oozes class and is extremely funny.

Colman, too, shows his star quality and why he transferred seamlessly into the sound era. Here his reactions are priceless and the interplay between him and Talmadge is a joy to watch.