The Private Life of Don Juan 1934

Overview

The Private Life of Don Juan is a 1934 British comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Korda. The film stars Douglas Fairbanks, Merle Oberon, and Benita Hume. This production served as the final film role for Fairbanks. The plot follows an aging Don Juan who returns to Seville in secret after a twenty-year absence. Having previously faked his own death to escape the city, he discovers upon his return that he has been largely forgotten. His wife, Dolores, with whom he has not lived for five years, still harbors feelings for him. Fearing the domestic life of a husband, Don Juan refuses to see her. In response, Dolores purchases his debts and threatens to have him remanded to jail for two years unless he agrees to reunite with her. Complicating matters, an impostor begins climbing the balconies of Seville while claiming to be the legendary Don Juan. The film, which has a runtime of one hour and twenty-nine minutes, explores the question of what women want through the lens of the aging protagonist.