The Wedding Scene

Biographer Sarah Baker writes:

One of the most iconic scenes in the film is the wedding scene in which Chico and Diane conduct their own impromptu ceremony as Chico is about to leave for the war. This scene makes extraordinary use of Borzage's 'discreet but effective eroticism' and neatly juxtaposes the chaotic preparations for war outside with the tender intimacy between the two characters inside. When Chico sees Diane in her wedding gown, he is overcome by love, ear, and sadness -- all three emotions managing to register simultaneously on Farrell's face. It is then that he is finally able to say the three words that mean so much -- "I love you." this is followed by, "I am afraid."

At first, Farrell sits in a chair, pressing Gaynor against him -- almost as if he is willing the strength from her small body into him. At this moment, Diane is the courageous one, the leader, while Chico cowers in fear. She begs him to "always look up." saying, "Look what you've made of me!" Chico then lifts Diane up and carries her around the apartment, and for sixty full seconds there are not intertitles and no cuts as Farrell and Gaynor kiss repeatedly. This stops only when Farrell leans breathlessly against a pillar, Gaynor lying limply across his chest, and Borzage cuts immediately to the soldiers marching out in the street They realize they have no time for a proper wedding and perform an impromptu ceremony....