This is a moderately interesting film---mostly because it's set at a circus and it's pretty exciting to see this atmosphere. However, the story seemed a bit hard to believe and contrived. As a result, it's well worth seeing for die-hard silent movie fans like me, but probably one less experienced viewers can skip.
The film begins with 'Spangles' (Marion Nixon) being the most beautiful and sought-after woman in the circus. The boss is head over heels with her and when a wanted man wanders onto the circus train, he, too, instantly falls for her. This was a bit tough to believe, but what was a lot harder to accept was the interaction between Spangles and the wanted man. For no reason whatsoever, Spangles agrees to hide this man from the law--and the only assurance she has that he's NOT a murderer is his word! Thank goodness criminals never lie about things like this and sweet Spangles can be assured he's not guilty!!! I would have LOVED it if he'd turned out to actually be a killer, but this cliché necessitates that he really is innocent.
Eventually, however, after the innocent runaway man is discovered, the boss wants to turn him in--after all, he AND this wanted man are in love with her and turning him in will get this rival out of the way. Once thing I do have to say very positive about the film is that where exactly it goes next was a bit of a surprise.
Overall, the film is decent enough. The acting, direction and production are pretty good--even if the story is a bit far-fetched and clichéd.
The film begins with 'Spangles' (Marion Nixon) being the most beautiful and sought-after woman in the circus. The boss is head over heels with her and when a wanted man wanders onto the circus train, he, too, instantly falls for her. This was a bit tough to believe, but what was a lot harder to accept was the interaction between Spangles and the wanted man. For no reason whatsoever, Spangles agrees to hide this man from the law--and the only assurance she has that he's NOT a murderer is his word! Thank goodness criminals never lie about things like this and sweet Spangles can be assured he's not guilty!!! I would have LOVED it if he'd turned out to actually be a killer, but this cliché necessitates that he really is innocent.
Eventually, however, after the innocent runaway man is discovered, the boss wants to turn him in--after all, he AND this wanted man are in love with her and turning him in will get this rival out of the way. Once thing I do have to say very positive about the film is that where exactly it goes next was a bit of a surprise.
Overall, the film is decent enough. The acting, direction and production are pretty good--even if the story is a bit far-fetched and clichéd.