The Gay Diplomat (1931)
Directed by Richard Boleslawski

Film Review

The Gay Diplomat was one of the first films to be made in Hollywood by the Polish-born filmmaker Richard Boleslawski.  Saddled with a third rate script and a second rate cast, Boleslawski is visibly struggling to make this humdrum tale of espionage in Imperial Russia remotely interesting, and apart from a few striking montage sequences (an obvious nod to Eisenstein) the film is distinctly lacking in style and momentum.  Having very little in the way of star charisma and acting ability, Ivan Lebedeff is ill-equipped to carry the film as the dashing spycatcher, and our attention cannot help being drawn to his far more capable co-stars, Genevieve Tobin and Betty Compson, who should both have enjoyed far more success than they did.  After this clumsy misfire, Boleslawski went on to become a well-regarded director in Hollywood and worked on some prestige productions with some of the biggest stars of the day, including John Barrymore (Rasputin and the Empress, 1932), Clark Gable (Men in White, 1934), Greta Garbo (The Painted Veil, 1934), Fredric March (Les Misérables, 1935) and Marlene Dietrich (The Garden of Allah, 1936).

Film Synopsis

Captain Orloff, a young officer in the Russian infantry, is sent to Bucherest on a vital mission: to uncover an enemy agent who is believed to be a woman.  On the way to his destination, Orloff falls under the spell of the Countess Diana Dorchy - the attraction appears to be mutual.  In Buchrest, Orloff is surprised to renew his acquaintance with the countess.  Is it possible that she is the spy he is to ensnare...?