THE MASQUERADER

US, 1933, 80 minutes, Black and white.
Ronald Colman, Elisa Landi.
Directed by Richard Wallace.

The Masquerader is one of many films that promoted Ronald Colman as a leading star in Hollywood and of the talkies. A silent star, he made the transition to sound films because in addition to good looks he had a fine voice.

He appeared in many (too many?) short features which were contrived for him. This film, like many melodramas of its kind, portrays Colman as a politician and also as a has-been journalist (anticipating his Tale of Two Cities, perhaps). Two Colmans for the price of one is the opinion of some commentators. The film does enable him to give a virtuoso performance in both characters - with comment on responsibility, public office, the role of journalists. There are also complications in relationships, needless to say. However, the film is very dated - an example of early '30s film-making.