LuvSopr I can certainly understand why the discovery of this film was seen as a major event - a lost, major teaming of two of the biggest film stars of all time. The care put into the restoration is a sight to behold - the movie is pieced together beautifully, and some sequences, like the glimpses of color, are stunning. Rarely would the sight of blue flashes on a dressing gown excite you as much as they do here. The soundtrack, by Henny Vrienten, is a masterpiece. Soothing, romantic, sweeping, tribal, majestic. I wish the DVD release of this film had gone into more detail on the making of this genius. It truly carries the movie when the movie itself is not quite up to the task.As for the film itself, I just felt little connection to the characters or story. While I appreciate that Beyond the Rocks did not delve into huge, murderous melodrama, there are very few stakes in a two hour film. Theodora and Hector meet. They fight their feelings as he chases her around the world. They continue fighting their feelings to the point where a supporting character is the only one who causes movement to the plot. Even at the end of the film, Theodora and Hector are on the sidelines. The film seemed more concerned with preserving the morality of the characters than with telling a strong story. You have little reason to care about this couple, and that extends to the performances. Valentino, one of the most charismatic film idols of all time, seems restrained and lost in this role. Swanson, not too far off from her days as a comedienne, makes facial expressions in closeup which come across as if Lucy Ricardo was making a silent picture. The makeup piled on her is also distracting, and aging.Robert Bolder, as Theodora's husband in name only, is the most interesting part of Beyond the Rocks. To the film's credit, they do not demonize Josiah, instead presenting him as a man whose time has passed and who truly does love his wife. His final scene in the film is quietly powerful, and the finest moment.Beyond Bolder, and the soundtrack, my favorite element was the jolting fantasy sequence of the price a wife pays for adultery - a moment which has far more vitality than the rest of the film.

maksquibs Though famous for re-coining "It" as a code word for sex appeal, this piece of romantic slush is more typical of Elinor Glyn's output. Gloria Swanson marries a rich old fart to save her family from ruin, but falls hard for dashing aristo/playboy Rudolph Valentino. A jealous old flame swaps letters Swanson has written to her husband & her putative lover (she's going to do the right thing, whew!) and in a fit of renunciation, her portly spouse goes off on a Sahara expedition (!) knowing that his life will be in jeopardy. Gloria & Rudy give chase, arriving just in time to get the dying man's blessing. Sam Wood helms efficiently, but brings out the ham in everyone, esp. Rudy, and this famous 'lost' pic only proves the axiom about disappointing discoveries. The newly commissioned background score also disappoints though the picture restoration is largely a success.

njtomboy I never really watch silent films.. In fact, this was the 1st one I ever watched straight through. They usually don't hold my attention. However, this one was strangely heart-warming thus being interesting.I found that I couldn't take my eyes off the movie for fear I might miss a word passage. As the story progressed I actually grew interested in the story and found myself talking to the characters. This is totally out of character for me.I quite enjoyed the chemistry between the young bride & her suitor. I was pleased by her devotion to her husband. Although, an affair was had, I rather enjoyed the fact that it didn't play out like a sleazy soap opera.I also enjoyed the scenery. Yes, the film was old & many of the sites seemed to have fade... but it brought back memories of times I visited some of the same places. Oh and the film was set to great jazz music - which was a total surprise to me.All in all, I truly enjoyed this film. It held my attention & for that I give it 2 thumbs up! Now I just may go out and find the novel on which it was based.

Craig Smith Hector has had many affairs. None of them really meant anything to him. Then he met Theodora while she was on her honeymoon. He falls for her and she falls for him. Yet Theodora recognizes that this is a love that cannot be. The movie has many effective scenes that show very clearly the love each feels for the other. No words are needed, no cue cards are needed.Yet she is torn between her love for Hector and her vows to Josiah. Such a conflict that love can bring. What adds to this is that I believe she also has grown to at least care for Josiah and maybe even some level of love. Still, her vows are important to her. So important that she intends to leave Hector forever.But Josiah finds out about her love for Hector. And he loves her so much that he is willing to sacrifice his love so that she can be happy. So often it seems we hurt those we love (or are hurt by them) and yet we are also willing to give up everything for the person we love so that they can be happy. And, in the end, is that not what love is?