The Single Standard (1929)

In the heart of the Roaring Twenties, amidst the gaiety and extravagance, Arden Stuart, a woman ensconced in wealth yet yearning for more, finds herself trapped in the confines of societal norms and expectations. Her abiding desire for freedom, equality, and honesty in love is a fiery rebellion against the era's double standards where wives are confined to domesticity while husbands revel with flappers. A monotonous party and a declined marriage proposal from long-time friend Tommy Hewlett sets Arden on an unconventional path. She escapes the suffocating atmosphere, driving off to a secluded meeting with her driver. The illicit encounter ends tragically when the driver, dismissed by a relative of Arden, succumbs to suicide, leaving her shaken yet undeterred in her quest for liberation. A chance encounter at an exposition introduces Arden to Packy Cannon, a pugilist turned painter with a spirit as wild and free as the South Seas he's destined to sail. Drawn in by their shared ardor for freedom, they embark on a passionate journey to the South Seas. The romance that blossoms amidst the ocean breezes and unanchored freedom, however, proves fleeting. Packy, in an unexpected twist, abandons Arden to sail alone to China, leaving her heartbroken and lost. Returning home, Arden finds herself once again confronted with Tommy's persistent marriage proposal. This time, she acquiesces, seeking stability and attempting to heal her shattered heart. Three years later, a chance meeting with Packy rekindles buried emotions, placing Arden at the heart of a tumultuous love triangle. Torn between her undying love for Packy and her newfound family with Tommy, Arden must navigate the complexities of love, devotion, and propriety. As she struggles to reconcile her desires with societal expectations, Arden and the men in her life must decide if they can live in honesty or if the deceit dictated by social standards is their only recourse.

The Single Standard is a drama movie featuring Greta Garbo and directed by John S. Robertson.

It is possible to buy The Single Standard on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.