William Pearson

A 1922 re-edit of Fred J. Balshofer’s earlier feature—shot in 1918 as Over the Rhine and released in 1920 as An Adventuress—this version was issued to capitalize on Rudolph Valentino’s sudden stardom. The cut boosts Valentino’s presence through repeated/enlarged shots, looping and out-takes, and reframes the story in a tropical island setting; it’s widely regarded as a cash-in reissue.

The story of 26 year old Brandi Seaton. She is attractive, smart and single. After breaking off her engagement the day before her wedding, she decides to test the waters of the singles dating scene. How and where to begin is the problem. Brandi's roommate, Anita introduces her to a telephone "partyline" where she meets a handsome, professional named Alex. After one meeting both Brandi and Alex's lives change as their friendly conversations grow into obsessions and culminate in a tragic encounter.

Filmed by Fred J. Balshofer in 1918 as the anti-German war drama Over the Rhine, the project was reshaped and released in 1920 as An Adventuress—a cross-dressing caper set in the fictional republic of Alpania and headlined by female-impersonation star Julian Eltinge, with early appearances by Rudolph Valentino and Virginia Rappe. The film was later re-edited and reissued in 1922 as The Isle of Love.