There were quite a few interest points regarding 'The High Road', or 'The Lady of Scandal' in other places. It was an early talkie, back when the transition from silents to talkies was still being made and in early days and back when talkies were very much in their infancy. It was directed by Sidney Franklin, director of great films such as the sublime 'Smilin Through' with Norma Shearer. It also starred Ruth Chatterton, who should be better known today, and the great Basil Rathbone.
Sadly, 'The High Road' could have been a lot better. There are certainly far worse talkies back in the very early period that the film was made, but also a lot better (for instance 'Applause' was an early sound film and was quite innovative on a technical level, and it was great) during this period. Chatterton and Rathbone actually come off quite well compared to everything else, though both did a lot better, but by Franklin standards in overall film and directing it was a near-misfire.
Chatterton has a very natural and charming presence, and while she clearly has fun she has poignant moments too. Rathbone gives one of his better early talkie performance, charming and authoritative, though he did go on to do better in 'Anna Karenina', 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' and his Sherlock Holmes films. Frederick Kerr is a scene stealer and gives the funniest performance.
It looks pretty good and doesn't look too primitive, the photography doesn't try to be too clever but it also doesn't feel claustrophobic. The musical scene is good, nice song and well staged. There are some amusing moments and some of the tender ones are touching.
However, too much of 'The High Road' doesn't work. Most of the supporting cast overplay, all the silent film mannerisms present but exaggerated to the maximum, and Ralph Forbes is pretty dull in his role. There is too little to the characters to get one to care for them. Franklin's direction is disappointingly leaden and there is just no vitality to it.
Likewise there is no vitality in the too talky, too flowery and very stilted script. That has comedy that too often is sorely lacking in wit and the moments intended to be tender tend to be too sentimental. The story never comes to life, staying throughout at a cripplingly dull pace, and the whole film feels very stagy and old-fashioned, even by 1930 standards.
Overall, watchable but a long way from great or even good. 5/10
