The Single Standard (1929) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Arden's pursuit of equality in love leads through passion, marriage, sacrifice, and a final choice to protect her family.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

A Radical Standard

Arden believes love should be governed by equal standards for men and women. Her early romantic experiment ends disastrously, establishing the danger surrounding her ideals.

Key Events

• Arden's Equal Standard — Arden believes love should follow one standard of freedom, equality, and honesty for both sexes. Characters: Arden Stuart Location: Arden's social world
• Anthony Affair Ends — Arden's first attempt to live by her principles ends disastrously after an illicit affair. Characters: Arden Stuart Location: Unspecified
• Tommy's Long Admiration — Tommy, Arden's longtime admirer, wants to marry her. Characters: Arden Stuart, Tommy Hewlett Location: Unspecified

The South Seas Escape

Arden meets Packy and joins his planned solo cruise. Their months of idyllic happiness end when Packy returns her home to focus on painting.

Key Events

• Packy Encountered — Arden has a chance encounter with Packy, a wealthy former prizefighter and painter. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: Unspecified
• Cruise Plans Revealed — Packy reveals plans for a solo cruise to the South Seas. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: Packy's yacht
• Arden Joins Voyage — Arden impulsively sails with Packy instead of letting him travel alone. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: Harbor
• South Seas Bliss — Arden and Packy enjoy months of idyllic life together at sea. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: South Seas
• Packy Turns Homeward — Packy turns the yacht home, explaining that painting needs his full attention. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: South Seas
• Arden Returns Home — Packy brings Arden home, ending their first shared voyage. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: Home

Marriage And Family

Tommy continues to seek Arden's commitment, and she agrees to marry him. Several years later, their family includes a much-beloved son.

Key Events

• Tommy Renews Proposal — Tommy asks Arden to marry him despite knowing she loves Packy. Characters: Arden Stuart, Tommy Hewlett Location: Home
• Marriage Accepted — Arden agrees to marry Tommy after Packy's departure. Characters: Arden Stuart, Tommy Hewlett Location: Unspecified
• Family Years Pass — Several years pass, and Arden and Tommy have a much-beloved son. Characters: Arden Stuart, Tommy Hewlett Location: Family home

The Old Love Returns

Packy returns and confesses that Arden has remained in his thoughts. Arden agrees to sail away again, reopening the conflict between passion and family.

Key Events

• Packy Returns — Packy returns and admits that he has never stopped thinking about Arden. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: Home
• Second Voyage Proposed — Arden agrees to sail away with Packy once again. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: Harbor
• Tommy Confronts Packy — Tommy confronts Packy at gunpoint and orders him to pretend to reject Arden. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon, Tommy Hewlett Location: Unspecified

Sacrifice At The Harbor

Tommy confronts Packy at gunpoint and proposes a staged hunting accident. Arden chooses her child, while Tommy finally sees Packy's yacht leaving and his family safe.

Key Events

• The Hunting Bargain — Tommy promises to arrange a hunting accident for himself to avoid scandal damaging his son. Characters: Packy Cannon, Tommy Hewlett Location: Unspecified
• Arden Chooses Family — Arden realizes that her child means more to her than anything else and refuses to leave with Packy. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: Home
• Packy's Yacht Departs — Packy's yacht sails away after Arden decides not to accompany him. Characters: Arden Stuart, Packy Cannon Location: Harbor
• Tommy Keeps His Plan — Unaware of Arden's decision, Tommy still intends to carry out the shooting accident. Characters: Arden Stuart, Tommy Hewlett Location: Home
• Family Seen Safe — Tommy sees Packy's yacht leaving and realizes his family remains safely at home. Characters: Arden Stuart, Tommy Hewlett Location: Home window

Story Breakdown

• Arden's Moral Ideal — Arden seeks freedom, equality, and honesty in romantic conduct.
  • Equal Conduct — She believes one standard should apply to both sexes.
  • Early Romantic Risk — Her first attempt to live by the ideal ends in disaster.
• Packy Enters Her Life — A chance encounter introduces Arden to Packy and a new form of romance.
  • Chance Encounter — Arden meets the wealthy former prizefighter and painter.
  • Shared Voyage — Arden joins Packy's planned South Seas cruise.
• Idyllic Escape Ends — The lovers enjoy freedom at sea before Packy chooses his painting.
  • South Seas Bliss — Their relationship flourishes during months of idyllic travel.
  • Return For Painting — Packy takes Arden home because he needs full attention for his art.
• Tommy's Marriage — Tommy's longstanding devotion leads Arden into marriage and family life.
  • Persistent Proposal — Tommy asks Arden to marry him despite her love for Packy.
  • Beloved Son — Several years later, Arden and Tommy have a much-beloved son.
• Love Returns Again — Packy's return revives Arden's desire to abandon her settled life.
  • Packy's Confession — Packy admits that he could not stop thinking about Arden.
  • Second Departure — Arden agrees to sail away with Packy once more.
• Tommy's Desperate Bargain — Tommy attempts to resolve the romantic conflict through coercion and self-sacrifice.
  • Gunpoint Confrontation — Tommy orders Packy to pretend to reject Arden.
  • Staged Accident — Tommy promises to arrange a hunting accident for himself.
• Arden Chooses Family — Arden recognizes that her child matters more than leaving with Packy.
  • Refusal To Leave — Arden tells Packy that she cannot go with him.
  • Safe At Home — Packy's yacht departs while Tommy sees his family still safe.

Directed by

John S. Robertson

Key Cast

• Greta Garbo — Arden Stuart
• Nils Asther — Packy Cannon
• Johnny Mack Brown — Tommy Hewlett
• Dorothy Sebastian — Mercedes
• Lane Chandler — Ding Stuart