Riptide
Riptide

Riptide

1934Movie92 minEnglish

Mary is an impetuous romantic who marries British aristocrat Lord Philip Rexford on a whim. Their marriage is successful, though, and they grow closer over the years. Then, a trip to the Italian Riviera unexpectedly reunites Mary with her former beau, Tommie. After some vicious gossip makes Rexford distrust her, he begins work on a divorce. Mary must now choose between the man she has married and the man she once loved.

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IMDb6.2/10
Director: Edmund GouldingGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Lady Mary Denham, a charming Englishwoman, is swept off her feet by the wealthy American, Thomas A. Reynolds. They marry, but soon she finds his possessiveness stifling and flees to the French Riviera. There, she becomes involved with the dashing and cynical playboy, Duke René de Beaujolais, leading to a complex love triangle and scandalous accusations that threaten to ruin her.

Critical Reception

Riptide was met with mixed to positive reviews, praised for its glamorous presentation and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Norma Shearer. While some critics found the plot somewhat melodramatic, its exploration of societal expectations and female desire in the 1930s resonated with audiences, making it a commercial success for MGM.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visual splendor and star power, particularly Norma Shearer's captivating performance.
  • Criticized by some for a plot that leaned towards melodrama and predictable romantic entanglements.
  • Noted for its stylish direction and lavish MGM production values.

Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available through comprehensive aggregators like Google reviews for films of this era. However, contemporary reviews indicate a generally favorable reception, appreciating the film's star vehicles and romantic drama elements.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Norma Shearer, one of MGM's biggest stars, was known for her sophisticated roles and the studio carefully crafted her image, with 'Riptide' being a prime example of her dramatic and romantic appeal.

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