Most movies don't closely follow the book they are based on, and this one is no exception. The overall ideas are the same though and there are no "new" characters. The time period is updated to 1871, the original novel was written in 1861. The story is at its best for the 1st half, then slows down somewhat and finishes off well. It is unfortunate that it would be difficult if not impossible to view any of the previous 13 silent film versions. The Mack Sennett parody, East Lynne with Variations(1919) is represented by 2 enticing stills in the book, King of Comedy(1954), but perhaps that is all that survives. As for this 1931 film adaption, there is a shortened version available on DVD that's missing 12 minutes. One source claims it is without the last reel. If you refuse that, and don't want to go to UCLA for the complete copy, your next best bet is at a used book sale or e-bay for the movie book adaption. The movie was novelized by Arline de Haas in 265 pages, includes stills from the film(for some reason only the 1st half), and published by Grossett & Dunlap. If you've never read the original novel, be forewarned that it's over 600 pages! In America it seems this classic story has been forgotten, but in England there was a 1987 BBC Radio 4 dramatization in 7 parts and a play revival in 1992.
Review of East Lynne
