''Cynara'' is an American

pre-Code Pre-Code Hollywood was the brief era in the Cinema of the United States, American film industry between the widespread adoption of sound in film in 1929LaSalle (2002), p. 1. and the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code censorshi ...

1932 romantic drama film about a British lawyer who pays a heavy price for an affair. It stars Ronald Colman,

Kay Francis Kay Francis (born Katharine Edwina Gibbs; January 13, 1905 – August 26, 1968) was an American stage and film actress. After a brief period on Broadway in the late 1920s, she moved to film and achieved her greatest success between 1930 an ...

, and

Phyllis Barry Phyllis Barry (born Gertrude Phyllis Hillyard; 7 December 1908 – 1 July 1954) was an English film actress. Born in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, to Seth Henry and Bertha (née Giles) Hillyard, Barry appeared in over 40 films ...

. It is based on the 1928 novel ''An Imperfect Lover'' by Robert Gore-Browne. In February 2020, the film was shown at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival, as part of a retrospective dedicated to King Vidor's career. A text panel at the beginning of the film explains the title: “Inspired by

Ernest Dowson Ernest Christopher Dowson (2 August 186723 February 1900) was an English poet, novelist, and short-story writer who is often associated with the Decadent movement. Biography Ernest Dowson was born in Lee, then in Kent, in 1867. His great-uncle ...

's immortal lines—‘I have been faithful to thee, Cynara, in my fashion.” The poem in question,
Non Sum Qualis eram Bonae Sub Regno Cynarae
', was first published in 1894.

Plot

In Naples, disgraced London barrister James "Jim" Warlock prepares to part from his beloved wife Clemency and start anew in South Africa. When she asks him to explain the events leading to his downfall, a flashback ensues. Hard-working, successful, and deeply in love, Jim is looking forward to his seventh wedding anniversary. His friend John Tring thinks Jim needs “color” in his life and laughs at him for being "the last of the virtuous men". Jim is crestfallen when Clemency informs him that she has to take her sister Garla to Venice for a month to get her away from a parachute jumper, the latest in a string of unsuitable men with whom she has fallen in love. While the women are away, Tring takes his friend out to dine. At the restaurant, a young shopgirl named Doris Lea in the next booth dons Jim's bowler hat on a dare from her friend and flatmate Milly Miles. Tring is enchanted, and persuades the reluctant Jim to join the girls. Doris takes a great liking to Jim and gives him her address. Later, he tears up the slip of paper. Tring has other ideas. He arranges for Jim to judge a swimsuit contest and informs Doris, who becomes a contestant. Jim names her the winner. When she slips and injures her ankle, he picks her up and takes her back to her flat. There, he warns her that he is married and that nothing good can come of their relationship. She tells him that she will not cause trouble when he wishes to end it. They embark on an idyllic affair. However, when Clemency, Garla, and Garla's new Italian fiancé finally return, Doris finds it impossible to give up the man she loves. Finally, Jim writes her a letter telling her he cannot see her anymore. She responds by committing suicide. The letter is found, and Jim is forced to testify at the inquest. When the coroner asks if Doris had any prior relationships, Jim protects her privacy and refuses to answer, even though she told him of an earlier liaison. Jim is guilty of no criminal offence, but the scandal destroys his promising career. The flashback ends. After Jim leaves to board his ocean liner, Tring comes to talk to Clemency. He accepts a share of the blame for what happened, and he reminds Clemency that she may never see Jim again. She rushes to the ship to join her husband.

Cast

* Ronald Colman as Jim Warlock *

as Clemency Warlock *

as Doris Emily Lea *

Henry Stephenson Henry Stephenson (born Harry Stephenson Garraway; 16 April 1871 – 24 April 1956) was a British actor. He portrayed friendly and wise gentlemen in many films of the 1930s and 1940s. Among his roles were Sir Joseph Banks in ''Mutiny on the Bou ...

as John Tring *

Viva Tattersall Viva Tattersall (1898–1989) was the stage name of British stage and film actress, playwright and sculptor, Vera Tattersall, who settled in the United States. Early life Tattersall was one of five girls born in London to Hugh Tattersall, a se ...

as Milly Miles * Florine McKinney as Gorla *

Clarissa Selwynne Clarissa Selwynne (26 February 1886 – 13 June 1948) was a British stage and film actress.Kear & King p. 143 She settled in the United States, working in Hollywood where she appeared in around 100 films. Partial filmography * '' Hearts in Exi ...

as Onslow *

Paul Porcasi Paul may refer to: *Paul (given name), a given name (includes a list of people with that name) *Paul (surname), a list of people People Christianity *Paul the Apostle (AD c.5–c.64/65), also known as Saul of Tarsus or Saint Paul, early Chris ...

as Joseph, Maitre d' * George Kirby as Mr Boots, MC of the swimsuit competition * Donald Stuart as Henry *

Wilson Benge George Frederick "Wilson" Benge (1 March 1875 – 1 July 1955) was an English actor who mostly featured in American films from the silent days. He appeared in over 200 films between 1922 and 1955. Along with actors Charles Coleman and Ro ...

as Merton, Jim's valet *

Halliwell Hobbes Herbert Halliwell Hobbes (16 November 187720 February 1962) was an English actor. Early years The future actor was the son of William Albert Hobbes (1841-1909), a Warwickshire solicitor, and his wife, Marion Hobbes, née Dennis, (1838-1925). ...

as Coroner

References

External links

* * * * {{Samuel Goldwyn 1932 films 1932 romantic drama films American romantic drama films American black-and-white films 1930s English-language films Films about infidelity Films about suicide Films based on British novels Films directed by King Vidor Films scored by Alfred Newman Films set in London Films set in Naples Films set in Venice Samuel Goldwyn Productions films United Artists films 1930s American films