Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Cynara (1932)

A compelling story of how an affair rips apart a "perfect" life. Jim (Ronald Colman) is a successful barrister married to Clemency (Kay Francis). Their marriage is happy though Jim's life maybe lacks a little excitement. When Clemency is away Jim meets Doris (Phyllis Barry), a young shop girl. Despite Jim's misgivings (and love for his wife) an affair with Doris begins...

But when Clemency returns home, Jim realises his mistake and tries to end his affair but of course these things cannot be ended as easily or as swiftly as they can begin.

A highly enjoyable drama. The film opens with the collapse of Jim's and Clemency's marriage, and Jim prepares to head abroad in exile after his disgrace, the affair is told in flashback. The affair is treated with shades of grey which elevates the film into something special. It is clear that Jim loved Clemency throughout and the film will tug your heart strings for sure.