Is The Common Law Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1923)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Common Law (1923), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Valerie West, a beautiful artist's model, falls for wealthy artist Louis Neville. However, his aristocratic family doesn't approve of the relationship and persuades Valerie to promise that she won't marry him. She does, however, tell Louis that she will become his common-law wife on a certain date the following summer. Complications ensue."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Corinne Griffith attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Common Law worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Common Law misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 80 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.