When a Man Loves (1927 film)

by Alan Crosland

For works with similar titles, see When a Man Loves.

a
WARNER BROTHERS

W-B

PRODUCTION

WARNER BROTHERS
present
JOHN BARRYMORE
in
"When a Man Loves"
with
DOLORES COSTELLO
~
passed by the National Board of Review·copyright MCMXXVI·Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.

Directed by
Alan Crosland

Adapted by
BESS MEREDYTH

Photography by
BYRON HASKIN

The Players
JOHN BARRYMORE
DOLORES COSTELLO
WARNER OLAND
SAM DE GRASSE
HOLMES HERBERT
STUART HOLMES
BERTRAM GRASSBY
TOM SANTSCHI
~

Times change, but human love is everlasting.

In the old cathedral town of Amiens, France, on a May morning during the reign of Louis XV.

André Lescaut——a dissolute product of the old régime—the best card sharp in the King's Guard.

His sister, Manon—a flower freshly plucked from the countryside—ignorant alike of cities and the ways of men.

- - - Dolores Costello.

Monsieur Guillot de Morfontaine—a notorious roué and friend of the King.

"My faith! Already your pretty nose turns up at the idea of going to a convent!"

"I will do whatever you think best for me. You are all I have, dear brother."

The midway Inn for the Paris diligence—crowded with students going to St. Sulpice to be examined for the priesthood.

The Chevalier Fabien des Grieux—heir of the first family in Picardy—who has just renounced the Order of Malta to devote himself to the church.

- - - John Barrymore.

"My son, you now begin your priestly duties in earnest. This medal, sent by the Bishop himself, will protect you against temptations of the flesh."

"You have well earned it, Fabien—by your brilliance as a student."

PARIS. AMIENS. ARRAS.

"A convent, my dear Lieutenant, will be a dull frame for the fresh young beauty of your sister."

"One does not find frames of gold at the bottom of an empty purse."

"Paris is her proper setting. As a connoisseur—and one of ample means——may I suggest—?"

"Fabien, you dropped your medal."

"The diligence is overcrowded. 'Tis better we travel by coach—later."

"Why not inform your sister of her good fortune and prepare her to start with me immediately?"

"How would you like to go to Paris, my little cabbage—instead of the musty old convent?"

"What luck, my dear! The rich de Morfontaine is mad about you!"

"Not he—not that awful old man!"

"Be sensible, child! You will have everything—garters sparkling with diamonds for those dimpled knees—leagues of Brussels lace to trim the little chemises—"

"A light coach and your fastest team! I return to Paris at once!"

"You shall not want for protection in Paris. Your devoted brother will be watching over his little chick."

"Those tears should never dim the brightness of eyes like yours."

"Mademoiselle, I proffer my services. I overheard your companions plotting. Please trust me as a friend."

"I thank you, Monsieur—I do need a friend."

"M'sieu's coach is ready!"

"The young rascalion—he's turned all the horses loose!"

Two innocents—afloat in the great city of Paris.

AU
PLAT
D'ÉTAIN

"All my life, I've wanted a lavaliere."

"But this silly little locket isn't what I wanted!"

"My dear, such a monstrous, gaudy thing would ill become that delicate throat."

"Why, Fabien! You've pawned your buckles to buy me this!"

"It is the most beautiful locket in the world!"

"Would M'sieu and his pretty lady like a shelter for the night?"

"I hope the room pleases Madame."

"M'sieu's room is just adjoining—whenever he's ready."

"I'll get something to refresh you after your tiresome journey."

Youth—love—poverty—companions three.

"The old nanny-goat downstairs says your rent's due."

"We've been in Paris a whole week! That makes today our anniversary!"

"When we are rich, you shall have a gold chain for your locket."

"Calm yourself—I will go to my bank at once."

"Compose yourself, Madame—I am on my way to collect the revenues from my fiscal agent."

"You're a fool to waste yourself on a pauper. Fancy baggage like you should fetch a fancy price."

"You'll come to it, my gosling! Mother Paris will teach you that diamonds give more light than candles!"

"Please, my dear, kind friend—it is the anniversary of my Fabien's love."

"So the very sight of her beloved brother renders the little Manon speechless with joy!"

"A merry chase you've led me, my cunning doe—but from now on you're through with des Grieux—come along!"

"We love each other. If you try to separate us I will kill myself!"

"Fabien is back! Go—or he will give you over to the police!"

"Des Grieux wouldn't dare. The police are after him for abducting you!"

"I'm looking for my friend des Grieux."

"Perhaps 'tis better that I speak with you."

"Mademoiselle, do you realize the wreck you are making of Fabien's life?"

"What do you mean, Monsieur? We love each other and we are quite, quite happy."

"You are married then—you and he?"

"My child, for Fabien's sake, you must leave him."

"You have stripped him of fortune, father and God. What have you given in return?"

"I have given him my heart—my whole heart—all, all of it!"

"'Tis not enough, my child. If you really love him, you will make this sacrifice—never see him again!"

"God will bless you for giving him back to us."

"He's right. You've spoiled des Grieux's prospects—do you seek to ruin your own too?"

"I cannot—cannot go without seeing him."

"It will mean prison for your precious Chevalier unless you come with me—now!"

"I almost started a revolution getting the locket exchanged for these buckles."

"Tell Fabien to take good care of Fifi till I come back."

My love:

André threatens to have you arrested unless I leave you. So I am going with him for a few days.

You are not to imagine, Sweetheart, that I am going away forever..

Goodbye,

Manon.

P.S. Here are your buckles—a little farewell present.

M.

I am going away forever..

Goodbye,

Manon.

P.S. Here are your buckles—a little farewell present.

M.

"Where is Manon?"

"Why you poor simpleton! She's gone with a fine gentleman who called for her."

P.S. Here are your buckles—a little farewell present.

M.

"I haven't told her about you. The little fool thinks this is my establishment!"

"My poor house is favored indeed, by having such a beautiful creature for its new mistress."

"Never you mind—Paris will tame her. I'll follow and bring the pullet home to roost."

Puppets--a city of puppets--mishandled toys of fate, moved by some power invisible.

"A little milk, please—"

"—for the cat."

"Come with me and I'll make you rich!"

IMPASSE DU
FERACHEVAL

"Who drinks with me drinks to my wench!"

"She happens to be my sister, good comrade—and much too frail to please a robust fellow like you."

A jumble of weary days, consumed in fruitless searching, and still no trace of Manon.

AU
LAPIN BLANC

"At last I have found you, my friend!"

"You need the sympathy of those who love you—come home with me!"

"I shall never leave Paris till I have found Manon."

"Your Manon is now the mistress of the notorious de Morfontaine."

"No, no! I will not believe such a thing—it is not true!"

"It is true. All Paris knows it. They frequent a certain gambling club in the Boulevard Montmartre."

"Use your father's credit to make yourself presentable, and at the next assembly you shall see."

At the glittering sanctuary where fashionable Paris quietly indulges an appetite for gambling.

"Guess my age, Joujou, and put twenty louis on the number."

"Impossible, my dove—the numbers only run to thirty-six!"

"Try your luck, Monsieur! Place a wager on the age of your sweetheart."

"Nineteen."

"Nineteen! But that is divinely young!"

"You and every old rogue in Paris has prattled of nothing but youth since you saw Manon."

"Nineteen wins!"

"Repeat the play."

"Monsieur wins again—and twelve hundred gold louis!"

"Manon!"

"Manon!"

"Manon!"

"Manon!"

"De Morfontaine is lavishing the stock of ten jewelers on Manon."

"Trust her. The cocotte knows how to collect for her favors."

"Permit me to commend your taste in jewels, Mademoiselle."

"I could never have afforded pearls. You were wise to discard me."

"Gold is your love—here—take it!"

"I shall not forget this insult!"

"You were right, my friend, when you told me women have no souls."

"Take me away! I wish never to see her face again!"

At the Chateau de Grieux, on the estate of Fabien's father in Picardy.

"Fabien is saved—Manon banished from his thoughts! He has entered St. Sulpice to resume his studies."

Beneath the stately arches of St. Sulpice, where candles gleam before the altar of an ancient faith.

After a year of torment, peace—and tomorrow Fabien will take the irrevocable vow of priesthood.

"I have attended every mass for weeks in the hope of seeing you!"

"Your very presence here profanes the house of God!"

"I cannot deny it. All that you think of me is true."

"It was my brother who took me away—but oh, Fabien—I have loved only you—always!"

"What of your protector? How dare you come pleading to me—fresh from the arms of that man!"

"I haven't seen him since the night—that awful night—at the club."

"You still wear his jewels!"

"I'm sorry, Fabien—but I'm just a woman. I shall always love jewels and pretty clothes!"

"If you send me away now, there's only one place left for me—the streets—"

SANCTA
MARIA MAGDALENA

"I suppose, by now, little Fifi has grown into the grandest cat—oh, I've been so lonely for you both, Fabien!"

"She met des Grieux and they escaped together."

Golden days for Fabien—thanks to his fathers credit—while his adored Manon presides over the elegant Salon des Grieux.

While the insinuating Brother Andre enjoys a few crumbs of hospitality in the adjoining antechamber.

"Your father has heard of your return to Manon and has stopped your credit!"

"You're clever enough to make a living at cards, once you learn the tricks of the trade."

"Cheating!"

"Madame Pompadour has the only other, and her's cost ten thousand francs!"

"This is but five thousand!"

"And Pompadour's but ten—a mere five thousand difference."

"Of course you may have it my love—and send for Pompadour's also."

"Just how does a gentleman perform those clever tricks?"

"A bit of luck, that—you can't do it again!"

"How in Satan's name, did you get such a supple wrist?"

"With your name, your tailor and your profile—we shall go far."

Where beauty makes rendezvous with wit—the Salon of the Duc de Richelieu.

The Duc de Richelieu——the King's ear.

"Surely Guillot, you were not serious when you asked the King's aid in reclaiming Manon?"

"Suppose the King should take a fancy to her himself?"

"That will be your concern, my dear friend."

"I perceive you have a dainty palate for hen partridges, my lord."

Louis XV——King of France.

"His Majesty would discard the formality of court tonight."

"Where is this dazzling creature, Manon—and her protector?"

"Control yourself, Sire—they will be here presently."

"Can you blame de Morfontaine for losing his head over such a beauty, Sire?"

"She is a little Venus, present her to me!"

"One whose wishes are of the utmost importance, wishes to meet Mademoiselle Lescaut."

"'Tis a command!"

"He is the King!"

"You belong at court, my dear. Under royal protection your advancement will be rapid."

"Already des Grieux's hands itch for the cards—shall I arrange the game?"

"Tell that wizard des Grieux, that I will play him."

"I trust, Sire, you have your best cards up your sleeve."

"There is one worthy of your mettle, Chevalier, who would engage with you for high stakes."

"May I ask with whom I have the honor to engage?"

"I am the Chevalier des Grieux!"

"I am the King of France!"

"Any of my possessions that you choose, against—Mademoiselle Lescaut."

"One does not reach to heaven for a star and fling it on the soiled cloth of a gaming table!"

"We shall play for the stake I have named!"

"Your Majesty's wish is a command."

"The last card, Chevalier—and we play no more!"

"There is only one Ace of Diamonds—you are a cheat!"

"One cannot say of the King that he—cheats!"

"Fetch my winnings upstairs to me."

"That lady shall remain with me!"

"You dare not ignore a royal command!"

"Manon!"

"Gentlemen of France, your King is insulted!"

"She is a public woman, this Manon—she would drag the royal name through the mud of the Paris streets."

"If I save you from the King, will you come back to me?"

"In that case tell de Morfontaine we are not interested."

"His Majesty has lost interest and suggests you follow your own inclinations."

"Take her to the Prison of the Magdalen!"

"Do you surrender?"

"Throw him into the Bastile!"

"You are much too good a cheat to go to prison. You must come to court."

"What have you done with Manon?"

"She has been arrested as a public character and will be deported to Louisiana."

"If your taste runs in that direction, Chevalier, you will find plenty of the frail sisterhood at court."

"Where is Manon?"

"She—she's been taken to the Magdalen!"

The Prison of the Magdalen—where the bedraggled remnants of Parisian womanhood are bundled together for deportation.

"I must see the Prefect of Police!"

"Have pity! Manon has broken no laws—you cannot deport her!"

"Then it may surprise you to learn that she is being shipped out this very morning."

"In the name of God—stop them!"

"Too late!"

"She shall sweat in the penal colony, and you, my brave Chevalier, shall be elevated to your proper position——on the scaffold!"

"I shall see that you are not disturbed, Monsieur."

"Monsieur the Prefect is not in the best of moods. He has a weighty matter on his chest."

"If you'd ride with these soiled doves, my cockerel, you must pay your fare!"

Le Havre——port of embarkation for thieves, murderers and other criminals——all doomed to penal servitude in the colonies.

The Captain of the convict ship——proper master for such a cargo.

"The Prefect of Police has been murdered——we've traced the assassin to the docks!"

"You may search the ship, you lubbers—but I won't delay our departure!"

"If all the prisoners are accounted for then unleash these women."

"Name of a name! A beauty at last! Take her to my cabin!"

"She is my wife!"

"Throw him in the hell-hold with the rest of the prison hyenas!"

"This child is ill, you beast!"

A stormy voyage, dragging its length in unnumbered leagues of misery. At last, America looming near.

"Land ho!"

"How's my morsel of dessert—that little blonde I've been saving for the last?"

"Stifle in your own fumes—you fly-blown gallows meat!"

"Come morning you'll be in chains too—you flea-eating monkey!"

"You once were men—and you have let them make animals of you!"

"Tomorrow we land. You'll be chained to mill-wheel and plow—cattle—driven before the lash until you die!"

"There is yet time. You can possess this ship—roaming the seas in freedom, with all the gold of commerce yours for the taking!"

"Yapping curs! Are you so weak you fear to strain your lousy backs?"

"By the devil's wife! I'm strong enough to squeeze you—till the red juice pops!"

"Then use your strength on those chains, you filthy ox!"

"Pull—pull—you sons of diseased camels!"

"All together—pull—you degenerate breed of mangy dungeon rats!"

"PULL—you hellions—for liberty!"

"Ours! By the blazing gates of hell! The ship is ours!"

"Yonder—America! For us freedom—and everlasting love."

The End
W-B

A WARNER BROTHERS
PRODUCTION

Original Music Composed
by
HENRY HADLEY

Synchronized
by

VITAPHONE
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

HERMAN HELLER
Conducting