Both Eleanor Boardman and William Haines came to Hollywood as part of a "New Faces" contest (presumably) but while Boardman's career took off Haine's languished ie "Three Wise Fools" etc. Boardman was the star and Haines was the definite support. She had caught the eye initially of Rupert Hughes then of King Vidor who soon started using her as his leading lady. "Wine of Youth" was based on Rachel Crothers stage success "Mary the Third" and was one of the first releases of the newly formed MGM. The only time William Haines was given leads was on loan outs (usually to Columbia) - back at his own studio he was thought only good enough for supports. Still this film was one of the first to give glimpses of the character that would become a Haines staple - the braggart, cocky upstart, he was also grateful to work with King Vidor who was becoming known as a director of quality.
Faint heart never won fair lady - except with youth in the jazz age, then the scientific approach is needed. Mary (the third) is completely at a loss who she should marry - good looking, aggressive Hal (Haines) or dependable, sweet Lynn (Ben Lyon). As she comments, she doesn't really know them. She decides to experiment with a "trial marriage" - a camping trip where some of the gang go to really get to know each other (but no sex please)!!! The exhilaration and freedom Mary feels quickly dissipates as reality sets in at the camping site. There is non-stop drinking and gambling, then cheeky Tish (Pauline Garon) leads the boys down to the river for a midnight swim - all except Lynn who is taking the experiment just as seriously as Mary. "We started on wings and came back in a wheelchair" says Tish when Mary fakes an attack of appendicitis to get them all back home on safe ground.
But it is back home that the real drama and lessons unfold (something MGM was on surer ground with). Mary's mother (Mary the 2nd) has been unhappy with her empty and meaningless existence - her husband has turned into a pompous braggart who is always right!! Romance has long flown out the window. When Mary is found to have gone tensions rise to the surface and Mary (who has returned but is hiding from her parents fury) and her brother (Robert Agnew) witness their parents first blazing row. As the night unfolds Mary realises that love has a deeper meaning than just a shallow display of happiness.
Much of the first part has to do with a riotous party and while MGM may have had the reputation as dignified and staid, the party pictured here is wild!! Girls being put into showers, one girl stripping off then losing her top - nothing is left to the imagination. Mary's brother takes girls out in his car - going at top speed, with the adrenalin leaving them putty in his hands. This movie may have been a showcase for some up and coming talent - aside from Eleanor Boardman, William Haines and Ben Lyon who did become stars there were William Collier Jnr., Pauline Garon and former child star Virginia Lee Corbin.
Highly Recommended.
Faint heart never won fair lady - except with youth in the jazz age, then the scientific approach is needed. Mary (the third) is completely at a loss who she should marry - good looking, aggressive Hal (Haines) or dependable, sweet Lynn (Ben Lyon). As she comments, she doesn't really know them. She decides to experiment with a "trial marriage" - a camping trip where some of the gang go to really get to know each other (but no sex please)!!! The exhilaration and freedom Mary feels quickly dissipates as reality sets in at the camping site. There is non-stop drinking and gambling, then cheeky Tish (Pauline Garon) leads the boys down to the river for a midnight swim - all except Lynn who is taking the experiment just as seriously as Mary. "We started on wings and came back in a wheelchair" says Tish when Mary fakes an attack of appendicitis to get them all back home on safe ground.
But it is back home that the real drama and lessons unfold (something MGM was on surer ground with). Mary's mother (Mary the 2nd) has been unhappy with her empty and meaningless existence - her husband has turned into a pompous braggart who is always right!! Romance has long flown out the window. When Mary is found to have gone tensions rise to the surface and Mary (who has returned but is hiding from her parents fury) and her brother (Robert Agnew) witness their parents first blazing row. As the night unfolds Mary realises that love has a deeper meaning than just a shallow display of happiness.
Much of the first part has to do with a riotous party and while MGM may have had the reputation as dignified and staid, the party pictured here is wild!! Girls being put into showers, one girl stripping off then losing her top - nothing is left to the imagination. Mary's brother takes girls out in his car - going at top speed, with the adrenalin leaving them putty in his hands. This movie may have been a showcase for some up and coming talent - aside from Eleanor Boardman, William Haines and Ben Lyon who did become stars there were William Collier Jnr., Pauline Garon and former child star Virginia Lee Corbin.
Highly Recommended.