The Scarlet Letter (1934)

The Scarlet Letter (1934). 1h 9m | G

“Colleen Moore was without doubt one of the best silent actresses, especially in comedy. Her wit, charm and energy were infectious – even in interviews late in life she still shone. How sad it is, therefore, that she retired so young – only 34 – and that she went out on a film such as this one. Not that this is a terrible film – it has some strong moments – and Colleen is actually very good, but it is hardly worthy of her talents and is certainly not a good showcase for them. She plays the tragic single mother in the Puritan community with strength and dignity and is well matched by Hardie Albright who is very strong as her priest-lover. But Colleen is never allowed to be funny – the part is a grim one. How much more suitable she would have been to something like u0026quot;It Happened One Nightu0026quot;. To waste a great talent like hers is appalling.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIronically the worst thing in this movie is the attempted comic relief with Alan Hale and William Kent playing a couple of buffoons chasing an eligible widow. They really fall flat.”