When a Man Loves (1927): cast, story & where to watch

1927 · Film · ★ 7.5

When a Man Loves poster

Released in 1927, When a Man Loves is a romance and history film directed by Alan Crosland, running about 111 minutes. “To love her meant-disaster...he fought the world and wrecked his life!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A nobleman studying for the priesthood abandons his vocation in 18th Century France when he falls in love with a beautiful, but reluctant, courtesan.

Who’s in it. When a Man Loves stars John Barrymore as Chevalier Fabien des Grieux, Dolores Costello as Manon Lescaut, Warner Oland as André Lescaut and Sam De Grasse as Comte Guillot de Morfontaine, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, When a Man Loves has been warmly received by audiences. It went on to earn $1M at the box office.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch When a Man Loves page.

If you liked it. Fans of When a Man Loves tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Your Name., Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Cinema Paradiso.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch When a Man Loves (1927)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for When a Man Loves change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is When a Man Loves worth watching?
When a Man Loves holds an audience score of 7.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy romance and history. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in When a Man Loves?
When a Man Loves stars John Barrymore, Dolores Costello, Warner Oland, Sam De Grasse and Holmes Herbert.
When was When a Man Loves released?
When a Man Loves was released in 1927, with a runtime of about 111 minutes.