Untamed (1929 film)

Untamed is a 1929 American pre-Code romantic adventure film directed by Jack Conway and starring Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, Ernest Torrence, and Holmes Herbert.

The film is primarily a melodrama set in the South American jungle and in Paris. It follows the life of Bingo (Joan Crawford), a young woman raised in the wilderness who inherits a fortune and must adjust to life in civilized society. Her untamed spirit clashes with the expectations and social conventions of wealthy Parisian circles. She becomes romantically involved with Andy (Robert Montgomery), a charming rogue, but their relationship is complicated by her wild nature and his own ambitions. Ernest Torrence plays Ben, a gruff but loyal protector figure to Bingo.

The film is notable for its depiction of the Roaring Twenties and its glamorous costumes. While it was a box office success for MGM, critical reception was mixed, with some reviewers praising Crawford's performance and the exotic settings, while others found the plot formulaic. It helped solidify Crawford's status as a major movie star.

It is considered a significant example of the pre-Code era, featuring themes and situations that would later be restricted by the Motion Picture Production Code.