AllMovie

The Business of Life was based on a story by Robert W. Chambers which first appeared in the pages of Cosmopolitan magazine. Much of the film deals with the rivalry of Jacqueline Nevere (Alice Joyce and Elena Clydesdale (Betty Blythe) over the affections of Elena's husband Carry (Percy Standing). It was all very polite and civilized, and most of the story was staged within the walls of a posh country estate (evidently the real thing and not a set). Many critics were impressed by the method in which the characters were introduced: The subtitles were superimposed on the action, rather than presented separately. Though technically an Alice Joyce vehicle, The Business of Life was subtly stolen by supporting actress Betty Blythe).