When a Man Loves (1927)

A nobleman studying for the priesthood abandons his vocation in 18th Century France when he falls in love with a beautiful, but reluctant, courtesan.

Director:

Alan Crosland

Writer:

Bess Meredyth (adaptation)

Stars:

John Barrymore, Dolores Costello, Warner Oland

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Barrymore	...	Chevalier Fabien des Grieux
Dolores Costello	...	Manon Lescaut
Warner Oland	...	André Lescaut
Sam De Grasse	...	Comte Guillot de Morfontaine
Holmes Herbert	...	Jean Tiberge
Stuart Holmes	...	Louis XV - King of France
Bertram Grassby	...	Le Duc de Richelieu
Tom Santschi	...	Captain of Convict Boat

Storyline

Fabien des Grieux, a divinity student, comes to the rescue of a beautiful girl, Manon Lescaut, when her brother tries to "sell" her to the lecherous Comte Guillot de Morfontaine. Fabien and Manon fall in love and he abandons his priestly ambitions. But de Morfontaine has no intention of giving up his desire to possess Manon. She again falls into his clutches. Fabien, borrowing on his father's wealth, transforms himself into a gentleman gambler and moves into court society. But there he discovers that Manon is endangered not only by the cruel de Morfontaine, but by the King of France himself.

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Plot Keywords:

student | 18th century | courtesan | priesthood | card game | 

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Genres:

History | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 August 1927 (USA)

Also Known As:

Manon Lescaut

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min 111 min (TCM print) (2006 restoration)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Vitaphone) (musical score and sound effects)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The 2009 Warner Archive DVD boxcover is incorrect. The photo on the box front is from another movie, the United Artist film The Beloved Rogue. Both films were, however, directed by 'Alan Crosland' and starred John Barrymore.

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Goofs

Noble Johnson's character is termed "An Apache," a French word which would imply he was a brutal pimp. That term did not come into use until the early 20th Century.

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Quotes

Title: Youth - love - poverty - companions three.

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Connections

Version of The Metropolitan Opera Presents: Manon Lescaut (1980)

User Reviews

A lovely silent film

Another commenter wondered whether Turner Classics would resurrect this film. I was lucky enough to see that happen this weekend on their Sunday silents. The film is a beautifully done piece; the scenery, costuming and makeup is amazing. The characterizations are darling. John Barrymore does seem to play down his role somewhat, but overall the acting is very well done. The whole movie makes me want to read the French story upon which it is based, as much because of what the movie does say as because of what it doesn't. The subject matter is a fascinating look at what is acceptable in society both of the time the story was written and the time the movie was made. A worthwhile film if you can catch it!