The Crimson Moviegoer

Found in 1921: an English Army of Occupation astride Ireland. Fear or sorrow or both oppressed every home, replacing for the time the carefree spirit usually found on the Emerald Isle. The "Informer" pointed up sharply the savagery of the period, and left undone the story of the personal tragedies behind the killings. So splendid and beautiful is Samuel Goldwyn's "Beloved Enemy" that no other picture of the romance in the civil war is likely to be filmed for some time to come.

Merle Oberon, as daughter of the diplomat sent to pacify Ireland, tries to keep her love with Brian Aherne safe from war though he is the leader of the rebellion. The tragedy is intensified in that the very strength of their love is the cause of his shooting. The radicals in the rebelling forces believe that Aherne signs a peace treaty because of love, and they mark him for a traitor's death. Through the whole movie runs the note of inevitable tragedy ominous events follow each other rapidly--, and the sympathy of the audience is high pitched for the lovers caught in a net of death. At the first run in New York the ending was logical but sad, for Aherne dies. At the University he recovers from his wounds, and this unexpected twist belies all that goes before it, turning the movie into a high-class adventure.

"Beloved Enemy" is a magnificent picture, one not to be missed on any excuse. At times the human side of the war is stressed--the droll "Tommies", the clamorous market-place the mock rebellion of the Irish youngsters, and the peace and beauty of the open fields These details serve only to silhouette more sharply the brooding terror of the rebellion. Sudden death is the backdrop for all the scenes, and always it is threatening to fall down on the players. There is enough martial noise and clank to satisfy the most blood-thirsty, but some other element makes the movie great.

Of recent pictures only "Camille" has a romance comparable to that in "Beloved Enemy." The actors convey an impression of intense love though outwardly they are restrained and indignified. To the mind of the reviewer the bicycle ride through the country is one of the finest and most tender love sequences of any movie. The highest praise is lavished upon the two charming and polished actors, upon the director, and upon the cameraman. They have made an unforgettable picture.