Though her fame rests on re-coining "It" as a code word for sex appeal, this piece of romantic slush is more typical of Elinor Glyn’s output. Gloria Swanson marries a rich old fart to save her family from ruin, but falls hard for dashing aristo/playboy Rudolph Valentino. A jealous old flame swaps letters Swanson has written to her husband & her putative lover (she’s going to do the right thing, whew!) and in a fit of renunciation, her portly spouse goes off on a Sahara expedition (!) knowing that his life will be in jeopardy. Gloria & Rudy give chase, arriving just in time to get the dying man’s blessing. Sam Wood helms efficiently, but brings out the ham in everyone, esp. Rudy, and this famous ‘lost’ pic only proves the axiom about disappointing discoveries. The newly commissioned background score also disappoints though the picture restoration is largely a success.
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