SECRETS
Starring Norma Talmadge
PHOTOPLAY
April 1924
Married life is made up of secrets - of moments that are hidden away in the silent places of the heart. The poignant secrets of one marriage have been revealed in this picture - with Norma Talmadge as the wife and Eugene O'Brien as the husband. The story is reflected back, across the years, from the pages of a diary - held in the withered hand of a woman who is waiting to hear of her husband's death.
The romance of youth, the elopement. The struggle, as pioneers in a new land. The death of the first baby - during a battle for the lives of all of them! Wealth, at last, and success - bringing, however, the question of the "other woman." Through all of these tense situations we follow and if, at times, the tears are close, we are not ashamed to admit it!
Miss Talmadge does as fine work, in this picture, as she did in "Smilin' Through." In the hoopskirted costume of girlhood she is a delight to the eye, but it is as the pioneer mother, and as he woman of thirty-nine, she really scores. She rises - upon several occasions - to superb heights. And, though Eugene O'Brien is both good and convincing, he is left behind!
The photography, particularly in the first part of the picture, is touched with real loveliness. And the scenario, by Frances Marion, is always searchingly human. But it is the personality, and the ability, of Norma Talmadge that makes this a thing worth seeing. This is a story that should mean much to all married people. And to all people who expect to be married. It teaches a lesson in devotion and tolerance.