Camille

A young law student, Armand (Valentino) becomes smitten with a courtesan, Marguerite (Nazimova). Marguerite is constantly surrounded by suitors, whom she entertains at her lavish apartment. She also has consumption and is frequently beset by bouts of illness.

Armand sees Marguerite at the opera and, later, pursues her when he attends one of her private parties. She rejects his advances at first, but eventually returns his affection.

The two live happily together until Armand’s father, seeking to protect his family’s reputation, convinces Marguerite to end the relationship. She finally relents and runs away to a wealthy client, leaving a note for Armand. When Armand finds the note he is shattered. The sorrow eventually turns to rage, and he decides to plunge into Parisian nightlife, associating himself with Olympe, another courtesan. When he sees Marguerite at a casino, he publicly denounces her. She gives up her life as a courtesan and quickly finds herself in massive debt. Her illness also takes a heavy toll…

The film moves the setting to 1920s Paris, and includes many lavish Art Deco sets, including that of Marguerite’s apartment. Natacha Rambova, who would later become Valentino’s second wife, was the movie’s art director. Like the video? Watch the film through its YouTube play list.

Hollywood: A Celebration of the American Silent Film

Swanson and Valentino

Some stars are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them. The stories of Gloria Swanson, perhaps the most successful actress of the era, and Valentino, the Great Lover, the idol of millions of women, whose private life was just the opposite, possible divorce and looming bankruptcy.

Two great romantic legends of the silent screen are profiled. Rudolph Valentino’s on-screen persona is remarkably different from his real personal life, as recounted by his brother, Albert, and Gloria Swanson recalls her meteoric rise – and fall – with remarkable candor. Narrated by James Mason. 

Episode 6 of 13   Download Links

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