The Circle (1925 film)

The Circle is a 1925 silent film directed by Frank Borzage. The film stars Eleanor Boardman, Malcolm McGregor, and Alec B. Francis. A young Joan Crawford appears early in the film but only in a limited role. The screenplay, written by Kenneth B. Clarke, was based on the 1921 play of the same title by British writer W. Somerset Maugham. The film survives today in excellent condition. The play was filmed again by MGM in an early sound (released also in silent) in 1930 as Strictly Unconventional.

Contents

• Plot
• Cast
• References

Plot

In the 1890s, young Lady Catherine (Joan Crawford) decides to leave her husband (and her son Arnold) in favor of her lover ("Hughie" Porteous). Thirty years later, young Elizabeth (Eleanor Boardman) is facing the same choice between her husband (the now grown Arnold, played by Creighton Hale) and lover (Malcolm McGregor). In the meantime, Arnold's mother Lady Catherine and lover Lord Porteous are coming to visit.

Cast

Eleanor Boardman – Elizabeth Cheney

Malcolm McGregor – Edward "Teddy" Lutton

Alec B. Francis – Lord Clive Cheney

Eugenie Besserer – Lady Catherine "Kitty" Cheney

George Fawcett – Lord Hugh "Hughie" Porteous

Creighton Hale – Arnold Cheney

Otto Hoffman – Dorker

Eulalie Jensen – Mrs. Alice Shenstone

Buddy Smith – Young Arnold

Joan Crawford – Young Lady Catherine

Frank Braidwood – Young Porteous

Derek Glynne – Young Cheney