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Director Sam Taylor offers an absorbing look into a cross-section of individuals who suffer the effects of sudden wealth (all winners in the Calcutta Sweepstakes). The well-chosen cast work in ensemble. Elissa Landi gives perfect nuance and dramatic weight as a woman of scandal who redefines her life. Her parasite lover (Paul Cavanagh) is appropriately repelling. Victor McLaglen (with his usual loose screw) is spot-on as an annoying prize-fighter, still tied to his mother's apron strings. Alexander Kirkland offers a certain naivety and charm, as the young man who discovers money isn't necessarily liberating. Halliwell Hobbes, who hosts the cast of characters at his English castle, has the insight and integrity to allow his guests to discover "themselves" ..... excellent photography and editing help create worthy Pre-Code screen fare.

The Masquerader (1933) is a Pre-Code beguiling mix of suspense, romance and humor. Ronald Colman is at his best in a dual role as member of Parliament (with a drug addiction) who asks his look-alike cousin (a political journalist) to fill in for him both professionally and domestically. Elissa Landi, as the wife, offers her unique persona and natural nuance in a captivating portrayal. The multi-gifted actress composed and played the lilting Sonata in F Minor for the film. The performances are complimented by the exquisite deep-focus camerawork of Gregg Toland, and director Richard Wallace's ability to make the fantastic seem probable.

I found this to be a riveting account of the purge of gays and lesbians from employment in the U.S. government. Many committed suicide. This purge went on from the 1950's-1990's. At one point, the push to eliminate gays, became more important than Joe McCarthy's "Red Scare".

Excellent cross-section of interviews with men and women who lost their livelihood from the machinations of government officials (who also participate in the narration).

High school and college history classes should have Lavender Scare as part of their curriculum. Our evolution into a real Democracy, has left a bloody path, indeed.