Beyond the Rocks (1922)

100% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(286 ratings)

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 being spelled "Rodolph"), in a story written by the most famous trashy novelist of the day, Elinor… More 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 being 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Sam Wood
Written By: Jack Cunningham, Elinor Glyn
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: May 7, 1922 Limited
On DVD: Jul 11, 2006
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

A.O. Scott, New York Times
A marvelously overripe 1922 silent melodrama starring Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino.
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.
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
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.
Kent Turner, Film-Forward.com
The new beautifully melancholic score by Henny Vrienten greatly adds to the atmosphere.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Not a terribly good film (in fact, the two Decasia-like stretches of irreparable damage are the best parts about it), but its discovery is worth celebrating.
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.
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 especially over the top.
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.
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
A ravishing example of the incandescent grandeur of Swanson and Valentino.
Phil Hall, Film Threat
Welcome back, Gloria and Rudy. A straight-up hit.

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Spencer S

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 loss… More
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 loss 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.
AJ V

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.