Riptide

Riptide is a 1934 American pre-Code romantic drama film starring Norma Shearer, Robert Montgomery and Herbert Marshall, written and directed by Edmund Goulding, and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film was released a few months before the Production Code was enforced. This film had a noteworthy appearance by Mrs. Patrick Campbell, a famous stage actress known for her friendship and correspondence with playwright George Bernard Shaw and her creation of Eliza Doolittle in Shaw's play Pygmalion. Plot In a hotel room at the Ritz, Lord Rexford (Herbert Marshall) struggles with a bizarre insect man costume provided by his hostess for a ball on Long Island. He goes to pick up another guest, Mary (Norma Shearer), who is equally unhappy with her outfit, which conceals very little except her face. They agree to skip the party and meet at his place. They are captivated with each other at first sight and soon kiss. The kiss dissolves to their farewells as he prepares to sail to Europe, some time later. Their “beautiful spree”, she says, was “perfect”, something she will cherish all her life. He proposes, she refuses, and they kiss and part. The ship sails, and she prepares to write a message. He steps up behind her, having left everything aboard. He is serious about marriage. She asks if he is sure, after all she has told him about her past. He declares it is all forgiven.