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Masks and Faces

A strong cast of British stage luminaries enriches this tale of heartache and betrayal in 18th century London society

Historical drama 1917 92 mins Silent

Overview

Famous period stage actress Peg Woffington becomes involved with wicked counts and lovelorn husbands in this tale of heartache and betrayal in 18th century London society. A cast of British stage luminaries (Irene Vanbrugh, Johnston Forbes-Robertson, Gladys Cooper) gives this Georgian period caper - with its errant husband, scheming love rival and poor poet, all caught in the tempestuous orbit of the feted actress - a touch of much-needed class.

The film was produced at the invitation of the Academy of Dramatic Arts in aid of that institution's building fund. A prologue shows a meeting (staged for the camera) of the Academy's council, at which are present JM Barrie (who proposes the idea of making this film to benefit the fund), Arthur Wing Pinero and George Bernard Shaw.