Mandalay proved to be something of a surprise. I had feared a rather dull expedition into romance and associated plot mechanics - but this exceeded the usual tropes by portraying a series of damaged but not irredeemable people all looking for some kind of salvation in part of what is now Myanmar.

Kay Francis plays a character whose journey runs from refugee of the Russian Revolution to mistress of a dubious arms dealer, to high class prostitute, partner to an alcoholic and then to a potential redemption (all within 65 minutes).

Her performance covers off the emotions of all of these ro... read the rest.