Watch Madame Behave

Madame Behave is a 1925 silent comedy-drama directed by Scott Sidney, produced by Richard Rowland, and starring Julian Eltinge, Ann Pennington, and Lionel Belmore. The film tells a hilarious story of the life of a cross-dressing performer in the 1920s who has to strike a delicate balance between his on-stage persona and his personal life. With a great mix of humor, drama and romance, Madame Behave is a classic silent film that showcases the talents of Julian Eltinge, one of the most celebrated female impersonators of his time.

The film is set in New York City during the early 1920s when nightclubs were at the height of their popularity. The main protagonist, Julian Eltinge, known on stage as Madame Behave, is a popular female impersonator who entertains audiences at the Oriental Theater. However, her life off-stage is far from glamorous as she struggles to keep her true identity hidden from her landlady and boyfriend, both of whom believe she is a woman.

While on a visit to his hometown, Madame Behave receives news that his brother has died and that he has been named in the will, which stipulates that he must marry a woman of good character to inherit his brother's estate. Fearing that he may lose the inheritance, Madame Behave decides to take a break from the stage and travels to his hometown to find a wife.

Once he arrives, he meets Ann Pennington, a young woman who works in a department store. Seeing that she fits the criteria laid out in the will, Madame Behave decides to court Ann, pretending to be a wealthy man. However, things take a turn for the worse when his landlady and boyfriend, who have followed him to his hometown, accidentally reveal his true identity to Ann's father.

As Madame Behave tries to patch up the damage caused by the revelation, his former boss comes to town looking for him, and the entire town becomes embroiled in a comedy of errors. With some clever disguises and quick thinking, Madame Behave manages to navigate through the chaos and clear his name, all while trying to keep his true identity a secret from the townsfolk.

Madame Behave is notable for its strong performances, with Julian Eltinge delivering a dynamic portrayal of a woman who is forced to play a role that is not her own. Eltinge's performance is also notable as he plays both his male and female personas with equal skill, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Ann Pennington provides solid support, playing an innocent young woman who finds herself swept off her feet by Madame Behave's charms.

The film's humor is laced with a sense of pathos, as the audience is reminded of the challenges that people like Madame Behave faced during that time period. The film also features lavish set pieces that showcase the opulence of the 1920s nightclub scene, as well as some beautiful shots of the New York City skyline.

Overall, Madame Behave is a charming and entertaining silent film that showcases the talents of one of the most celebrated female impersonators of the 1920s. Its mix of humor, drama, and romance provides an entertaining and thought-provoking commentary on life in the early 20th century.

Madame Behave is a 1925 comedy with a runtime of 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.