Movie spotlight
The Faker
Rita Martin, the partner of a phony spiritualist who uses information supplied by her to gull and astonish the rubes, gets work as private secretary to John Clayton, a wealthy man who has just disinherited his worthless son, Frank, and left his entire fortune to his upright stepson, Bob Williams. At Frank's request, the spiritualist later performs for the elder Clayton a seance during which Rita impersonates the late Mrs. Clayton and arranges for a reconciliation between Frank and his father. Rita falls in love with Bob, however, and, in order to protect Bob's interests against Frank's, exposes the spiritualist as a faker. Frank is disgraced in his father's eyes, and Bob quickly forgives Rita for her past complicity in Frank's schemes.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, portrayed as a gold digger, attempts to extort money from a wealthy businessman. Her schemes take a dark turn when she becomes entangled in a murder investigation, forcing her to confront her own past and potential involvement. The film explores themes of desperation, deception, and the consequences of one's actions in a society grappling with its own moral ambiguities.
Critical Reception
The Faker received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its dramatic tension and Lois Wilson's performance, others found the plot convoluted and its moral undertones heavy-handed. Audiences at the time were likely intrigued by its crime elements and melodramatic elements common in films of the late 1920s.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its dramatic intensity and lead performance.
Criticized for a convoluted and morally ambiguous plot.
A typical melodrama of the era, featuring crime and intrigue.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'The Faker (1929)' is not readily available due to the film's age and the limited digital footprint of audience feedback from that period.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
Despite being released in 1929, 'The Faker' is considered a pre-Code film, meaning it was made before the stringent enforcement of the Hays Code, which would later significantly impact the content and themes allowed in Hollywood productions.
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