The Trespasser (1929 film)

The Trespasser is a 1929 American pre-Code romantic drama film directed by Edmund Goulding and starring Gloria Swanson. It was one of Swanson's early sound films and is notable for being a part-talkie, meaning it included both synchronized sound sequences with dialogue and a synchronized musical score and sound effects.

The film tells the story of Marion Donnell (Swanson), a young woman who becomes involved in a scandal that forces her to give up her illegitimate child for adoption to protect the child's future. She then attempts to build a life for herself, navigating societal pressures and ultimately fighting for the right to reclaim her child.

The Trespasser was a box office success and earned Gloria Swanson an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, her only nomination in a sound film. The film showcased Swanson's dramatic abilities and her ability to transition to sound cinema. While some critics at the time noted the relatively simple plot, Swanson's performance was widely praised. The film utilizes synchronized sound to enhance the emotional impact of the story, particularly in scenes where Swanson sings. The film contributed to cementing Swanson's reputation as a major star of the late silent and early sound era.