Cinema Revisited: The Smart Set (1928)

Directed by Jack Conway. Cast: William Haines, Jack Holt, Alice Day, Hobart Bosworth, Constance Howard, Coy Watson, Harry Gribbon. Released March 24, 1928 by MGM. Running time: 80 minutes.

“The Smart Set” is a quintessential 1920s movie, a wonderful example of how uninhibited life was, especially for young people of some means. William Haines, one of the most popular stars of the era, is the film's star. Being released toward the close of the decade, "The Smart Set" exemplifies 1920s life and is a good representative of what American cinema was doing at this time.

By 1928, the motion picture had generally perfected its presentation. Cinema had reached a level to where it understood visual presentation and musical accompaniment to enhance these visuals The process would start over once talkies took over, but 1928 was the last truly great year for silent movies. Some great ones were made in 1929, or course, but the talking picture was taking over by then.

The noted Roaring Twenties was also a decade of prosperity, with a lot of carefree partying with great cinema, wonderful jazz music, classy fashions, and zippy patter. Nobody realized a stock market crash was on the horizon a year later and the Great Depression would follow. And the films made during this period often show that level of exuberance, with stars like William Haines often acting as the classic 1920s go-getter type.

"The Smart Set" features Haines as a star polo player who is conceited and arrogant, but somehow likeable in spite of these personality shortcomings. It is a difficult balance for Haines the actor, but he pulls it off. His comical pursuit of an attractive society girl (Alice Day) has him arranging a seat next to her at a dinner, goading her into a dance, and engaging in all manner of silly behaviors until he finally softens her up. This is oddly ingratiating to the viewer. However, when he grandstands on the polo field and ends up injuring a teammate, he is thrown off the team. His wealthy father is irate, and auctions off his stable of polo ponies, including the beloved horse who simply doesn’t respond to anyone but him. Of course Haines gets his comeuppance, realizes he’s been wrong, and, when he risks his life saving his horse from a stable fire and is hastily returned to the polo team during an important international championship, it all works out well.

“The Smart Set” is not the stuff of great cinema, but as a cultural artifact, it is irresistible entertainment. It perfectly illustrates the collective attitude of Americans during the 1920s, and exhibits the skills a major film star of the era. William Haines was at the height of his stardom here, and his performance nicely balances between comedy and drama, good guy and bad, with the sort of finesse that defined all of his leading man roles. The film is funny, effectively dramatic, and filled with appealing performances. The polo scenes are well shot and edited, offering a great deal of climactic excitement.

It is unfortunate Haines’ name has not lived on at the same level as Buster Keaton, Douglas Fairbanks, or Rudolph Valentino. Haines was just as big a star as these others during the silent era, and by the time he made “The Smart Set,” he was number one at the box office. Haines even managed to make a successful transition to sound films. However, Haines was gay, in love with his partner Jimmy Shields, and had no interest in keeping quiet about it. MGM head Louis B. Mayer told Haines that if he didn’t remain in the closet, and actually marry a woman for publicity, his movie contract would be cancelled. Haines courageously was true to himself and left movies.

William Haines and Jimmy Shields began an interior decorating business that was extremely successful. Because Haines was so well-liked in Hollywood, he and Shields could boast a number of wealthy actors and filmmakers who would hire them -- their work being so outstanding, it would lead to other gigs. Haines and Shields remained together for 50 years, until Haines died in 1973. Shields committed suicide three months later, leaving behind a note which stated, “Life’s no good without Billy.”