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Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino, Edythe Chapman, Alec B. Francis, Robert Bolder ... see more see more... , Gertrude Astor , Mabel Van Buren , Helen Dunbar , Raymond Blathwayt , F.R. Butler , June Elvidge , Frank Butler , Raymond Brathwayt

This picture did great at the box office, and no wonder -- Paramount's biggest star of the day, Gloria Swanson, co-starred with Rudolph Valentino (whose fame was so new that his first name was still b... read more read more...eing spelled "Rodolph"), in a story written by the most famous trashy novelist of the day, Elinor Glyn. There was no way this romantic drama could have lost. Swanson plays Theodora Fitzgerald, the daughter of poor but aristocratic parents. Her father pushes her into a marriage with a retired and wealthy grocer, but on the honeymoon she meets Lord Bracondale, a stunningly handsome nobleman (Valentino) when he saves her from a mountain climbing fall. The two embark on a torrid affair (enhanced by fanciful historical flashbacks). Although Theodora wishes to do right by her husband, he discovers that she does not love him and goes on an expedition, where he is fatally wounded. Before he dies, he generously gives the errant couple his approval. Between the time this film completed production and the time it came out, The Four Horsemen of the Apolcalypse was released, increasing Valentino's box office value even more. ~ Janiss Garza, Rovi

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67% liked it

286 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

10 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 25 min.

Directed by: Sam Wood

Release Date: May 7, 1922

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DVD Release Date: July 11, 2006

Stats: 27 reviews

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Beyond the Rocks Beyond the Rocks Elinor Glyn & Rudolph Valentino Beyond the Rocks
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Flixster Reviews (27)

  • FrizzDrop
    February 22, 2011
    FrizzDrop
    A lost film in the annuls of history, Beyond the Rocks was found, restored, and subtitled for the enjoyment of the masses. Sadly, my enjoyment was quelmed by the lackluster equivalent to my wildest fantasies. I do give creedence in every aspect that I can: the loss of sound, the ... read moreloss in quality over the last 90 years, the overacting, the extravagant costuming, and the difference in movies today. I can forgive all of these things, look past them, and survey the quality of the actual film. Those things said, it was bad. It was gruesome. Written by shockster Elinor Glyn and directed by De Mille protege Sam Wood, the plot was shamelessly boring. I do give kudos to the angle of her deep devotion to her rich, ugly husband though she was in love with the aristocratic Valentino, who she shared magically dramatic chemistry with. Still, Swanson's future work is filled with much more intelligent films.
  • ajv2688
    December 22, 2010
    ajv2688
    An average romantic drama with nothing new to offer. I'd only recommend it to fans of Swanson and/or Valentino. Overall it isn't bad, it's just not good either. There are a couple of exciting scenes but that's it.

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Critic Reviews

A.O. Scott
January 12, 2006
A.O. Scott, New York Times

A marvelously overripe 1922 silent melodrama starring Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino. Full Review

Eric Monder
March 1, 2007
Eric Monder, Film Journal International

A great example of the burgeoning star system at work and a form of diversion that delighted audiences in earlier times. Full Review

Keith Uhlich
September 23, 2006
Keith Uhlich, Slant Magazine

It goes without saying that the discovery and restoration of the 1922 Gloria Swanson/Rudolph Valentino melodrama Beyond the Rocks is a cause for celebration Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
July 28, 2006
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

Beyond the Rocks is not the world's greatest movie, but the fact that it exists at all makes it one of the most exciting DVDs of 2006. Full Review

Kent Turner
July 10, 2006
Kent Turner, Film-Forward.com

The new beautifully melancholic score by Henny Vrienten greatly adds to the atmosphere. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
May 24, 2006
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

More interesting as a reflection of what passed as a great romantic melodrama than it is as actually a great classic. Full Review

Steve Schneider
December 22, 2005
Steve Schneider, Orlando Weekly

Valentino and Swanson display the confident way with expression and gesture that silent stars had to develop to project their intentions in the absence of audio, but little about the film is especiall... Full Review

Marta Barber
October 14, 2005
Marta Barber, Miami Herald

It is the only film in which two of the great stars of the era -- Gloria Swanson and Rudolf Valentino -- appeared together. If only to see their on-screen chemistry, no film buff should miss it. Full Review

Nick Schager
September 26, 2005
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness

A ravishing example of the incandescent grandeur of Swanson and Valentino. Full Review

Phil Hall
September 15, 2005
Phil Hall, Film Threat

Welcome back, Gloria and Rudy. A straight-up hit. Full Review

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