One near constant in the history of cinema is that romantic comedies tend to follow a very specific pattern. Chance encounters lead to romantic inclinations, and possibly drama in established relationships, but ultimately everyone is happy in the end - or at least most characters are, while anyone painted as a more antagonistic figure is probably left out in the cold. Even though we generally know the story before it's ever told, the finer points of the narrative can make all the difference. With slightly more somberly toned drama, this iteration is a little bit of a deviation from the genre norm, written with just enough deftness that for most of the length I wasn't actually sure exactly how it would end. Though hardly revelatory, 'The marriage circle' is fairly worthwhile.
All those small moments that cumulatively build into the divisions and connections between the characters are clever, and endearing as a viewer. Characterizations and intertitles aren't especially noteworthy, but the overall narrative is complete and cohesive, if unremarkable in retrospect nearly 100 years on. The scene writing is pleasantly engaging - a series of light scheming, misunderstandings, and near misses, with timing and cues just right to build the story with mild comedy. While their roles are pretty straightforward, the assembled cast put in solid performances to inhabit the parts and bring the tale to life. As the plot focuses most of all on the dynamics between Charlotte, Franz, and Mizzie, their respective actors get the most time in front of the camera, and Florence Vidor, Monte Blue, and Marie Prevost demonstrate suitable range, nuance, and physicality to communicate the mix of emotions sans sound or dialogue.
Whether one loves romantic comedies or hates them, there is nothing here to radically change one's mind about the genre. Meanwhile, enjoyable as this particular feature is, and for whatever tiny variations in the formula, there's nothing so outstanding about it that would make it a must-see. Yet it's ably written and directed, with capable performances from all involved, and is sufficiently appealing to keep us watching and entertained. Provided one is receptive to pictures from the silent era, and open to romcoms above all, 'The marriage circle' is an agreeable, satisfying diversion that's worth a look if you have the opportunity.
