The Man with Two Faces
Actress Jessica Wells, sister of actor Damon Wells, is on top of her form except when her husband Vance is around. When Vance takes her to the apartment of a theatrical producer she comes home incoherent and Vance is found dead in the vanished producer's hotel suite.
Insights
Plot Summary
A famous Broadway actor, Bernard Stiles, is ostracized by society due to his disfigurement and a scandalous past. He retreats from public life, dedicating himself to his craft and a secret love affair with a younger woman. However, his past and his physical appearance continue to haunt him, leading to dramatic confrontations and a quest for acceptance.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'The Man with Two Faces' received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise directed at Edward G. Robinson's intense performance. Critics noted the film's melodramatic tone and its exploration of themes such as deformity, obsession, and the nature of fame.
What Reviewers Say
- Edward G. Robinson delivers a powerful and complex performance.
- The film effectively explores the psychological toll of disfigurement and societal judgment.
- Melodramatic elements are present but do not detract from the compelling narrative.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this film from 1934 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was based on the play 'The Barker' by Kenyon Nicholson, which had previously been adapted into a 1928 silent film also titled 'The Barker'.
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