When a Man Loves

Plot

Set in 18th century France, the story follows Fabien des Grieux, a young nobleman studying for the priesthood who abandons his religious calling after falling deeply in love with Manon Lescaut, a beautiful young woman being sent to a convent against her will. Fabien helps Manon escape, and they begin a passionate romance in Paris, but their happiness is threatened by Manon's brother André, who pushes her toward a life of courtesanship to support their expensive lifestyle. Despite Fabien's attempts to keep Manon from this fate, she is eventually seduced by the luxury and attention she receives from wealthy patrons, leading to heartbreak and tragedy. The story culminates with Manon's arrest and deportation to America as a prostitute, with Fabien following her across the ocean only to find her dying in his arms on the Louisiana shore.

Historical Background

Released in 1927, 'When a Man Loves' emerged during a pivotal transition period in cinema history. The film industry was rapidly moving from pure silent pictures to sound films, with Warner Bros. leading the charge through their Vitaphone system. The Jazz Singer, which revolutionized the industry with its synchronized dialogue, would premiere later in 1927, making films like 'When a Man Loves' part of the last wave of major silent productions. The late 1920s also saw the peak of European influence on American cinema, with many literary adaptations from French and German sources. The film's release coincided with the Roaring Twenties' cultural shift toward more permissive attitudes about sexuality and relationships, though the Production Code would soon clamp down on such themes.

Making Of

The production marked a significant moment in cinema history as one of the early experiments with synchronized sound. Director Alan Crosland, who had also helmed 'Don Juan', worked closely with Warner Bros.' technical team to integrate the Vitaphone system. The recording process required actors to perform to playback of the pre-recorded musical score, a challenging technical feat for the time. John Barrymore, known for his theatrical background, adapted his acting style for the more intimate camera work required by the new technology. The relationship between Barrymore and Costello that developed during filming became Hollywood gossip, as both were married to other people when they began their affair. The production faced challenges with the cumbersome sound recording equipment, which limited camera movement and required innovative solutions from the cinematography team.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by Byron Haskin, employed the sophisticated lighting techniques that had become standard in late silent cinema. The film features extensive use of chiaroscuro lighting to create dramatic shadows and highlights, particularly in the Parisian sequences. The 18th-century settings allowed for elaborate compositions with architectural elements framing the actors. Camera movement was somewhat restricted by the sound recording requirements, leading to more static shots than in contemporary pure silent films. The film makes effective use of close-ups, particularly for Barrymore's expressive performance, while the period costumes and sets are rendered in rich detail through careful lighting and composition.

Innovations

As one of the early Vitaphone features, the film pioneered synchronized sound-on-disc technology for feature-length narratives. The production team developed new techniques for recording and playback that would influence subsequent sound films. The film demonstrated that silent films could be enhanced with synchronized music without requiring dialogue, providing an alternative to the 'all-talking' pictures that would soon dominate the industry. The synchronization of sound effects with visual action represented a significant technical challenge that was successfully overcome. The film also featured advanced makeup techniques for Barrymore's aging makeup in the later sequences, which were considered innovative for the time.

Music

The film featured a synchronized musical score composed by Louis F. Gottschalk, performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. The Vitaphone system allowed for a full orchestral accompaniment synchronized to the picture, a significant advancement over the typical live theater organ accompaniment of the era. The score incorporated classical pieces by composers including Chopin and Debussy, adapted to match the film's romantic and tragic themes. Sound effects were also synchronized, including footsteps, doors closing, and ambient crowd noises, creating a more immersive experience than typical silent films. The soundtrack was recorded on 16-inch discs played in synchronization with the film projector, requiring careful timing and technical precision.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic opening sequence where Fabien first sees Manon at the inn and immediately abandons his religious calling
• The lavish Parisian ballroom scene where Manon is introduced to high society, featuring elaborate costumes and set design
• The emotional confrontation scene between Fabien and Manon after she has become a courtesan, showcasing Barrymore's intense performance
• The tragic final scene on the Louisiana beach where Manon dies in Fabien's arms, filmed during sunset for maximum dramatic effect

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film's technical achievements and Barrymore's performance, with Variety noting that 'the Vitaphone score adds immeasurably to the picture's effectiveness.' The New York Times called it 'a handsome production with excellent performances all around.' Modern critics view the film as an important transitional work, with Leonard Maltin describing it as 'a handsome if somewhat melodramatic romance that benefits from Barrymore's charismatic performance.' The film is generally regarded today as a solid example of late silent cinema, notable more for its historical significance than its artistic merits, though some critics appreciate its atmospheric qualities and the lead performances.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a commercial success upon release, capitalizing on John Barrymore's popularity following 'Don Juan'. Audiences were particularly drawn to the romantic chemistry between Barrymore and Costello, both on-screen and off. The synchronized musical score was a novelty that attracted curious moviegoers eager to experience the latest technological advancement. Contemporary audience reports indicate that the film played well to both male and female viewers, with the romantic elements appealing particularly to women while the period adventure aspects attracted male patrons. The film's box office performance helped convince Warner Bros. executives to continue investing in sound technology, paving the way for 'The Jazz Singer' later that year.

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