Le Joyeux Lord Quex

'The Gay Lord Quex' (stop laughing in the back, there) is the sort of material that no longer appeals, as it's so deeply concerned with the class system ... and with public perception being more important than justice.

Sophie Fullgarney is a London manicurist whose young stepsister Muriel is engaged to the Marquis of Quex, a wealthy milord who has a reputation as a scoundrel. For Muriel, it's purely an arrangement of financial convenience. Sophie is engaged herself, to Sir Chichester Frayne the famous palmist. (This character appears to be based on Cheiro, a palm-reader who was welcome in the highest levels of British society at the time that this film was produced.)

Without consulting Muriel, Sophie decides to save her stepsister by compromising Quex. When Quex accepts an invitation to spend the weekend at the country estate of the Duchess of Strood, Sophie insinuates herself into the household disguised as a chambermaid. All proceeds to plan, until Quex discovers an opportunity to compromise Sophie. Which one will tug the bell-cord first?

This story is dull and no longer relevant, if it ever was. The acting is stodgy and the directing is slow. There is no end of people going in and out of different doors, but none of it adds up to any amusement. Tom Moore is a bit too young and virile to be the gay Lord Quex. Arthur Housman, not yet typecast as a drunk, is impressive in a small role. I'll rate this movie 2 points out of 10.