The Guardsman (1931)

In the heart of Vienna, an extraordinary acting couple, renowned for the enchanting magic they weave on stage, finds their off-stage life mired in a whirlwind of contention, despite their marriage being in its infancy. Only six months in, their personal life paints a stark contrast to their public one; their resplendent stage performances are marred by clandestine, acerbic arguments, even amidst the applause during curtain calls. The wife's capricious demeanor is the bone of contention, leading the husband to suspect her affections are waning and she is seeking another man to fill his shoes. Haunted by the belief that his wife's gaze lingers on potential suitors in their audience, particularly the military types, the husband is driven to test her fidelity. His fears are fueled when a mysterious Russian guardsman, who also happens to be a prince, is spotted frequently outside their residence and bouquets of roses start appearing. Little does anyone know that the actor himself is behind this elaborate charade, donning the disguise of the guardsman to see if his wife would succumb to the foreigner's advances and reveal her true colors. The plot thickens when he fabricates a 24-hour out-of-town acting assignment, planning to use this window to seduce his wife in the guise of the Russian soldier. However, his wife, an acclaimed actress herself, might just have a few surprises up her sleeve that could disrupt his plan. As the actor's scheme unfolds, the line between truth and pretense blurs. Will his wife give in to the "Russian's" advances, or will the husband's plan unravel? The stage is set for a thrilling narrative that masterfully intertwines love, suspicion, and deception, leaving the audience pondering - does the truth ever really reveal itself?

The Guardsman is a comedy movie featuring Alfred Lunt and directed by Sidney Franklin.

The Guardsman is currently streaming on DIRECTV.