The Magnificent Lie Reviews

Overwrought melodrama wherein Chatterton plays a famed French actress who visits the injured American troops during WW I. In the hospital she meets nearly blinded soldier Bellamy (in his first big role), who adores her. Thirteen years later, when Chatterton is touring New Orleans in a play, Bellamy shows up to see her again, but he loses his sight completely. Taking pity on the man, she arranges for a cafe singer, also played by Chatterton, to impersonate her so that Bellamy will not give up hope. Eventually the singer (who looks upon the assignment as just another job) falls in love with Bellamy, and when he regains his sight, he realizes that he loves her too, despite the deception. This film later proved to be an embarrassment for Boyer whose small role brought him little attention and some humiliation when the film was released in France where another actor dubbed his voice in French.