EXTRAVAGANCE

Cinemavixion Review

Phil Rosen's 1930 drama, 'Extravagance,' offers a stark examination of societal pressures and marital disillusionment in the Roaring Twenties. The film centers on Alice Kendall, a young woman whose life is dictated by the superficial demands of her affluent social circle. Despite her mother's financial sacrifices, Alice’s expectations clash with the reality of her marriage to Fred Garlan, a man struggling to keep his business afloat. The narrative cleverly exposes the chasm between Alice's desires, embodied by the ostentatious sable coat, and Fred's financial woes. The introduction of Morrell, a predatory stockbroker, adds a layer of moral ambiguity, highlighting the transactional nature of relationships in this milieu. June Collyer and Lloyd Hughes deliver performances that capture the era's anxieties, making 'Extravagance' a compelling, albeit cautionary, tale of materialism and its consequences.