Simply Perfect

Not even bad in a good way

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Just a comment that the segment of this film where Pola sings "Paradise" in a cabaret is available to view online, and I found it quite, quite remarkable. The image quality is very poor, and the performance is dated and stylized, but compelling none the less. Also its noticeably similar to - "inspired by"? - Marlene Dietrich's number in "Morocco" from 2 years earlier. Unfortunately at this time there is no source I am aware of for a quality version of this film, and its original elements may be too far gone for restoration.Recommend that Pola's fans consider viewing the 2006 documentary "Pola Negri: Life is a Dream in Cinema" which was released on DVD in 2012.

This is a great film - My copy came from a very poor 16mm print with very scratchy sound, but none the less - it is still a wonderful movie - Pola is radiant. I understand why this movie was not popular at the time - it really is a bit of fluff, but the actors give whole hearted performances and Pola's rendition of the song "Paradise" make this film worth while. It can be hoped that one day a better print will be made widely available.