Man and the "Moment" (DVD)

Billie Dove and Rod La Rocque star in this risque part-talkie comedy, once believed to be lost but now restored. Relentlessly pursued by gold digger Viola Hatfield (Gwen Lee), millionaire Michel Towne (La Rocque) decides to put her off through a marriage of convenience. Convincing Joan Winslow (Dove) to marry him so she can be free of her evil guardian, the wealthy rake promises a quick separation but then tries to test her honor. Beating a hasty retreat, Joan is chased by a repentant Michel as he tries to keep Viola at bay and his matrimonial bonds intact. Based on a story by Elinor Glyn, The Man and the Moment was considered lost until 35mm elements were discovered in Italy. A prime example of how silent films made the transition to sound, this beautifully restored print is synched to the original Vitaphone discs and features the talking sequences, music and sound effects as audiences first heard them in 1929.