1920/2020 Forum Watch-Fest

[donnie]

Writing up my thoughts on The Soul of Youth right now. It's a wonderful film!

Yikes, I forgot about it! I'll try to watch tomorrow.

[BettyLouSpence]

Okay, I just finished The Soul of Youth. I loved it! What a great film.

► Show Spoiler

Fresh after viewing, my mind is still running wild with so many things to say. So I'll focus on the technical aspects first.

The score is a piano score that was composed especially for the film. I'm more partial to grand orchestral scores myself, but I didn't find myself missing one at all during viewing. It compliments the film beautifully.

There are so many marvelous shots in this film. Right off the bat we're treated to a scene that makes wonderful use of silhouettes, and topped off with gorgeous tinting. There's so many masterful uses of lighting in this film. The title cards are also beautifully done. We see combinations of titles and double exposed action shots; illustrated titles; and one animated title (not sure of the proper term for those, but it's like the school cheers Harold Lloyd practices at the beginning of The Freshman). I believe this is also the first time I've seen scrolling credits in a silent film.

The story follows a pretty Dickensian premise. An orphan boy who is treated like dirt but is good at heart, is brought up in an abusive orphanage (I was so glad when Ed finally ran off from that horrid place), and at the end gains a family. The ending doesn't feel cheesy or unlikely, however. Even when happy endings are being handed out left and right, it all feels very much earned, not tacked on. I love that the closing shot was a close-up of Simp the dog's tail wagging.

Not gonna lie, I came close to tearing up when Ed first met Simp and realizes that he loves him, hugging him close. Something about love for a dog that's just so wholesome

Lewis Sargent delivers such a great performance as Ed. I don't think I've seen him in anything before. Actually, I don't think I've seen anyone in the cast in anything before, not even Lila Lee (who I liked as Vera). I was impressed with everyone's performances.

Btw, Hamilton's wife wears her hair in a bun that's quite severe for 1920.

Hamilton is portrayed in the story as righteous and a good man, compared to the slimy and corrupt Morano. But... in the end, Hamilton played dirty to run him out. Maybe there's a parellel here: just as Ed had to resort to dishonesty and stealing to not only survive, but help Simp and Mike, so did Hamilton to help his community? I dunno, just something I couldn't help but notice.

The social reformer, Judge Ben Lindsey, makes a cameo in the film. His cameo in this film isn't as hackneyed to the story as Elinor Glyn's in It, though.

Off Topic

Speaking of that film, I had first heard of Lindsey in the Clara Bow bio Runnin' Wild, so when I saw his name in the credits I thought to myself, "OH! I've heard of that guy before! He was the judge who Clara... yeah!" I dug out my dog-eared copy to relate the following tale (don't worry, it's totally PG, lol)... there were a lot of things he championed reforms for, including abolishment of child labor, registration law, and as seen in the film he helped lay the groundwork for our current juvenile court system. In 1927, he promoted co-habitation of unmarried couples via his book called The Companionate Marriage, which made him into a pretty controversial figure.

Well, while in Hollywood after losing his judgeship, he was a houseguest of Paramount producer B.P. Schulberg. Lindsey wanted to meet Clara Bow and Schulberg invited him over. Well, she arrived late and tipsy (oh boy) and greeted the judge with a kiss on the lips (oh boy x2), at which his wife was none too pleased. Lindsey had actually wanted to talk with her about her views on sex and marriage, but she was like "nah" and wanted to dance with him instead. He decided to humor her so they did.

During the dance she started unbuttoning his shirt to the tune of the "rich man, poor man" rhyme. She got to "Indian chief" and was about to unbutton his pants when Lindsey backed away and ran into his wife's arms. They left in a huff and Schulberg scolded Clara over it. Sbe had no clue why everyone was so upset and said, "Well gee whiz, if he believes in all that modern stuff like you say he does, how come he's such an old stick-in-the-mud?" So, uh... now you guys have a cool silent Hollywood story to share...?

[Kitty]

My thoughts on Soul of Youth, a really good film, and very different from the others we have watched in this first go-around with our Watch-Fest series.

► Show Spoiler

Okay, I just finished The Soul of Youth. I loved it! What a great film.

It really was! I was surprised at the heavy material at the set-up. They way they demonized the woman who gave up her baby was pretty harsh. I know they portrayed her as an uncaring person, but I think that is pretty rare in reality. People have to do this sometimes out of necessity. They killed off the mother, anyway, but that was a lot of negativity to take in at the get-go. After these initial scenes, I was left asking myself "Who's the good person in this, anyway?" of course, at that point, the answer was, "No one." But it really ended up being a little bit of a tear jerker, a wonderful film, that I was glad to see end in a happy ending. I was afraid that Ed was going to die at the end, after being shot.

We see combinations of titles and double exposed action shots; illustrated titles; and one animated title (not sure of the proper term for those, but it's like the school cheers Harold Lloyd practices at the beginning of The Freshman).

My favorite one was that animated title that you're talking about. I find it interesting when they have those double exposed action shots. They're always so creative!

I love that the closing shot was a close-up of Simp the dog's tail wagging.

I loved that, too! Speaking of the dog, I was almost heartbroken when I thought he was going to have to give poor Simp up when he was found in the cellar. By the way, how did that doggie keep so quiet while living down there for a week?

Not gonna lie, I came close to tearing up when Ed first met Simp and realizes that he loves him, hugging him close. Something about love for a dog that's just so wholesome

That's where you know someone is actually good at heart, when they are tender toward an animal. I love seeing this sort of thing; I can never get tired of it.

Lewis Sargent delivers such a great performance as Ed. I don't think I've seen him in anything before. Actually, I don't think I've seen anyone in the cast in anything before, not even Lila Lee (who I liked as Vera). I was impressed with everyone's performances.

I agree wholeheartedly. I think everyone in this was fantastic.

A few of my own thoughts:
I was on the edge of my seat and yelling at the screen when they kept stopping him from trying to get the boy out of the tub. What in the world? Like, don't you see the kid's pretty desperate about something? I hate when they have those types of situations in films and shows. I'd hope that most people would have enough common sense to discern what's going on here. That poor little boy when he's praying in the tub. I was getting so pissed off at this movie at this point, but, in the end, the poor little guy is saved, and all is well.
I wondered something in the beginning: How did Ed get his last name? I'm sure they didn't leave a little note or anything. I mean, I guess they could have, but it didn't seem like that much care to detail was given to the poor little orphan.
About the kitty, little Babe. What's that old man's problem? He found the poor little cat sleeping soundly in a crib. Why did he want to kick it out so badly? And, furthermore, he thinks that the wife adopting a child would be BETTER than her loving on a poor innocent kitty cat? I feel like he has questionable morals.
About the orphan boy eating the soap, and the director just shrugging her shoulders saying he eats everything oh well. It reminds me of that song "Miss Lucy had a baby, she named it Tiny Tim, she put it in the bathtub to see if he could swim, he drank up all the water, he ate up all the soap, he tried to eat the bathtub but it wouldn't go down his throat."
I thought it was pretty weird and out of place where Ed is playing Ouija with the little girl (Ruth, is it?) randomly.
I wanted them to adopt the smaller newsie who takes Ed in, no questions asked, to his humble abode. What an instant friend that Ed was lucky enough to find!
Oh, and that puppy that the little girl has is the cutest little fluffball. I like to imagine that he and Simp were best lifelong friends forever after.

[BettyLouSpence]

Responding to some of Kitty's comments

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I was surprised at the heavy material at the set-up. They way they demonized the woman who gave up her baby was pretty harsh. I know they portrayed her as an uncaring person, but I think that is pretty rare in reality. People have to do this sometimes out of necessity. They killed off the mother, anyway, but that was a lot of negativity to take in at the get-go.

Yeah, this movie hits you with the heavy stuff the instant you sit down I agree that the mother should've been more realistically portrayed, instead of as a malicious woman literally selling her unborn kid.

I loved that, too! Speaking of the dog, I was almost heartbroken when I thought he was going to have to give poor Simp up when he was found in the cellar. By the way, how did that doggie keep so quiet while living down there for a week?

Yeah, I was really worried that something would happen to Simp while at the orphanage. I thought he would be chased off permanently, but luckily Ed decided to finally ditch the place.

I was on the edge of my seat and yelling at the screen when they kept stopping him from trying to get the boy out of the tub. What in the world? Like, don't you see the kid's pretty desperate about something? I hate when they have those types of situations in films and shows. I'd hope that most people would have enough common sense to discern what's going on here. That poor little boy when he's praying in the tub. I was getting so pissed off at this movie at this point, but, in the end, the poor little guy is saved, and all is well.

I feel you. The entire time I was thinking, "omg, just let the kid go!". So satisfying when Ed just barged through everyone and got to the little boy in time.

I wondered something in the beginning: How did Ed get his last name? I'm sure they didn't leave a little note or anything. I mean, I guess they could have, but it didn't seem like that much care to detail was given to the poor little orphan.

It might've been randomly selected and given to him, a la Oliver Twist.

About the kitty, little Babe. What's that old man's problem? He found the poor little cat sleeping soundly in a crib. Why did he want to kick it out so badly? And, furthermore, he thinks that the wife adopting a child would be BETTER than her loving on a poor innocent kitty cat? I feel like he has questionable morals.

Yeah, I didn't like that old guy (I think Hodge was his name?). The way his wife dotes on the cat wouldn't be a very healthy thing to subject a kid to. Not to mention the way she was searching for a "golden curled, blue eyed angel"... not a realistic outlook at all. I guess that guy was just jealous.

About the orphan boy eating the soap, and the director just shrugging her shoulders saying he eats everything oh well. It reminds me of that song "Miss Lucy had a baby, she named it Tiny Tim, she put it in the bathtub to see if he could swim, he drank up all the water, he ate up all the soap, he tried to eat the bathtub but it wouldn't go down his throat."

Thanks for sharing. I've never heard of that song.

I thought it was pretty weird and out of place where Ed is playing Ouija with the little girl (Ruth, is it?) randomly.

Is that what they were doing on the table? I didn't know, lol. I thought to myself, "that's a weird board game."

I wanted them to adopt the smaller newsie who takes Ed in, no questions asked, to his humble abode. What an instant friend that Ed was lucky enough to find!

I like to think they did afterwards

Oh, and that puppy that the little girl has is the cutest little fluffball. I like to imagine that he and Simp were best lifelong friends forever after.

Yes, that puppy was so cute

[donnie]

I just finished watching this. Wonderful film all around and what a masterpiece in terms of directing—no other way to put it. I'm anxious to read the comments so far, but am out of time for tonight. I'll post my thoughts tomorrow—but a great, great film!

[donnie]

Some great comments! I'll throw all my thoughts under a spoiler:

► Show Spoiler

There are so many marvelous shots in this film. Right off the bat we're treated to a scene that makes wonderful use of silhouettes, and topped off with gorgeous tinting. There's so many masterful uses of lighting in this film. The title cards are also beautifully done. We see combinations of titles and double exposed action shots; illustrated titles; and one animated title (not sure of the proper term for those, but it's like the school cheers Harold Lloyd practices at the beginning of The Freshman). I believe this is also the first time I've seen scrolling credits in a silent film.

Yes, right from the start with that dramatic lighting and silhouetting, you know this is going to be a good one. I was amazed at the subtlety and sophistication of William Desmond Taylor’s directing and editing. The crosscutting between the story lines was so rapid and skillful (I think he even bettered Griffith in that, probably) that it kept you wondering when and how the storylines were going to intersect.

And the atmosphere that Taylor created in the various settings—the orphanage being an example—was so palpable. And how about the closeups, such as those of the boys in the courtroom starting around 53:30? Stunningly effective—you really felt the poignance there.

I also thought the touches of humor were effectively placed in such a way to as to give just the right kind and amount of relief from the drama. The fantasy after the six dollar discovery was especially funny—and also realistic to the way kids think, sometimes. I had read that Taylor was a good director, and now I can certainly see evidence of it. What a tragic loss his death was.

Not gonna lie, I came close to tearing up when Ed first met Simp and realizes that he loves him, hugging him close. Something about love for a dog that's just so wholesome

I love that the closing shot was a close-up of Simp the dog's tail wagging.

That was touching for sure. But what really got me was at the end when he told the judge he had a mother now. I usually don’t get overtly emotional when watching films, but I have to admit my eyes were a little moist after that one. The whole ending moment there was wonderful, with everything crescendoing into a rapid succession of happy images—and ending with Simp’s tail wagging. Perfect.

Lewis Sargent delivers such a great performance as Ed. I don't think I've seen him in anything before. Actually, I don't think I've seen anyone in the cast in anything before, not even Lila Lee (who I liked as Vera). I was impressed with everyone's performances.

Yes, Lewis Sargent was excellent. That was a perfect combination of great writing, great directing, and great acting. I wonder whatever became of him?

Btw, Hamilton's wife wears her hair in a bun that's quite severe for 1920.

Yes, she was much more attractive when her hair was down. I wonder if that severe bun (that’s a funny term ) was a deliberate choice for the character whose mind was not very wide (can’t remember that title card exactly).

Hamilton is portrayed in the story as righteous and a good man, compared to the slimy and corrupt Morano. But... in the end, Hamilton played dirty to run him out. Maybe there's a parellel here: just as Ed had to resort to dishonesty and stealing to not only survive, but help Simp and Mike, so did Hamilton to help his community? I dunno, just something I couldn't help but notice.

That’s an excellent observation. I felt kind of ambivalent about Hamilton’s decision to go after the dirt on Morano, given his upstanding character, but I didn’t exactly know why. I think you put your finger on it.

And speaking of Hamilton: I kept noticing how the actor who played him had an amazing resemblance to Alexander Hamilton in profile. Don’t believe it? Look at a ten dollar bill.

The score is a piano score that was composed especially for the film. I'm more partial to grand orchestral scores myself, but I didn't find myself missing one at all during viewing. It compliments the film beautifully.

Actually in this particular film, I probably liked the piano score better—although I don’t have an orchestral score to compare, so it’s hard to say for sure. But at any rate, this is one of the best piano scores I’ve heard. It was so well tailored to the film, not just in terms of following the events, but in terms of following the mood and the underlying gravity. I’d really like to know who did this (I’m suspecting Phil Carli, who is one of my favorites.) Often there is a credit at the end, but there didn’t seem to be one here. I’m sure this is posted here from a dvd, & so may be able to figure it out from there.

…So, uh... now you guys have a cool silent Hollywood story to share...?

That’s a really funny story. The judge and Clara Bow…now that’s an awkward combo (oh boy).

They way they demonized the woman who gave up her baby was pretty harsh. I know they portrayed her as an uncaring person, but I think that is pretty rare in reality.

Yes, but she’s selling her baby—for cash. And the woman is buying the baby, as if it’s a sack of groceries instead of a human life. But I do agree that she could have been more realistically—and less heartlessly—portrayed.

I was on the edge of my seat and yelling at the screen when they kept stopping him from trying to get the boy out of the tub. What in the world? Like, don't you see the kid's pretty desperate about something? I hate when they have those types of situations in films and shows. I'd hope that most people would have enough common sense to discern what's going on here. That poor little boy when he's praying in the tub. I was getting so pissed off at this movie at this point, but, in the end, the poor little guy is saved, and all is well.

I totally agree, that scene made me seriously uncomfortable. I thought, if anything happens to that little fellow, I’m probably done with this movie… When I saw he could stand up above the level of the water, I felt a little better, but couldn’t rest until he was pulled out of that tub. I like dramatic tension, but not that kind of dramatic tension.

I wondered something in the beginning: How did Ed get his last name? I'm sure they didn't leave a little note or anything. I mean, I guess they could have, but it didn't seem like that much care to detail was given to the poor little orphan.

Yes, probably just pulled out of the air. Speaking of which, “Ed” doesn’t seem to be the best name for him, somehow, to me. Not sure why.

About the kitty, little Babe. What's that old man's problem? He found the poor little cat sleeping soundly in a crib. Why did he want to kick it out so badly? And, furthermore, he thinks that the wife adopting a child would be BETTER than her loving on a poor innocent kitty cat? I feel like he has questionable morals.

I thought about you as soon as I saw that scene. I knew that would meet with your disapproval. And it was mean, for sure. What was the harm of the cat sleeping there? I thought that was kind of sweet. Ok, a little weird maybe, but sweet.

[BettyLouSpence]

Comments on comments

► Show Spoiler

The crosscutting between the story lines was so rapid and skillful (I think he even bettered Griffith in that, probably) that it kept you wondering when and how the storylines were going to intersect.

I just realized... we never see Ed find out that he was sold before he was born to Morano's wife/girlfriend(?) Maggie (who, btw, has really interesting handwriting). He never finds out that he was this close to being Morano's son. The papers tell all. I wonder what would've happened if he'd read one of them when he was hiding. Or maybe... if he wasn't shot, he would've glanced at one and found out. Woah!! Ok, maybe that would've been too dramatic, I guess Morano shooting him cut down on the runtime

The fantasy after the six dollar discovery was especially funny—and also realistic to the way kids think, sometimes.

I loved that one. Seemed to be a combination of the Follies and a confectionary shop—two in one!

I had read that Taylor was a good director, and now I can certainly see evidence of it. What a tragic loss his death was.

Yes, I thought to myself, "man, this guy's good! I'd love to see mo- oh. Yeah. That happened. *sigh* Nevermind."

Yes, Lewis Sargent was excellent. That was a perfect combination of great writing, great directing, and great acting. I wonder whatever became of him?

He continued acting until 1949. He also played the title role in Huckleberry Finn, another 1920 film.

Yes, she was much more attractive when her hair was down. I wonder if that severe bun (that’s a funny term ) was a deliberate choice for the character whose mind was not very wide (can’t remember that title card exactly).

I actually don't remember seeing that title! But yes, the severe bun ( ) would be a good visual shorthand for her sternness and judgmentalism.

That’s an excellent observation. I felt kind of ambivalent about Hamilton’s decision to go after the dirt on Morano, given his upstanding character, but I didn’t exactly know why. I think you put your finger on it.

I wonder if it was intentional. I was thinking to myself, "but... he's supposed to be the honest guy here?" Maybe there's a message that's subtle enough to get lost amid the happy endings: no matter how honest someone is, if they're a politician, they're gonna play dirty eventually? Phew! This film is heavy

And, yes—his and Alexander's profiles do look alike

…So, uh... now you guys have a cool silent Hollywood story to share...?

That’s a really funny story. The judge and Clara Bow…now that’s an awkward combo (oh boy).

It was especially awkward seeing that Judge Lindsey's wife also had a cameo in this one Well, makes it easier to visualize the story

Btw, I really like that "off topic" option. Was gonna share the story, then realized it's kinda lengthy for the post. But then I saw the off topic tag in the posting toolbar! Its icon is the yellow quote bubble.

Yes, but she’s selling her baby—for cash. And the woman is buying the baby, as if it’s a sack of groceries instead of a human life. But I do agree that she could have been more realistically—and less heartlessly—portrayed.

I think it would've been more powerful, actually, for Ed's birth mom to be portrayed as not being malicious and actually wanting to do any of this, but as being pressured by social mores to sweep the (presumably) illegitimate pregnancy under the rug as clandestinely as possible, and feeling forced to go to that length to do so.

Speaking of which, “Ed” doesn’t seem to be the best name for him, somehow, to me. Not sure why.

I see what you mean. Maybe something a bit more suited to a 1920s street urchin?

...And it was mean, for sure. What was the harm of the cat sleeping there? I thought that was kind of sweet. Ok, a little weird maybe, but sweet.

I think the old man was maybe jealous of the attention the cat got. I like to think that at the end, when Ed turns down Mrs. Hodge's offer of adoption, the cat comes back and sleeps in the bassinet again, to the old man's chagrin

[donnie]

And now, my comments on your comments on my comments on your comments. (I think. )

► Show Spoiler

I just realized... we never see Ed find out that he was sold before he was born to Morano's wife/girlfriend(?) Maggie (who, btw, has really interesting handwriting). He never finds out that he was this close to being Morano's son. The papers tell all. I wonder what would've happened if he'd read one of them when he was hiding. Or maybe... if he wasn't shot, he would've glanced at one and found out. Woah!! Ok, maybe that would've been too dramatic, I guess Morano shooting him cut down on the runtime

Yes, I didn't really think about the fact that he never found out. Those were some interesting possibilities. Yes, I noticed that handwriting, too.

Btw, I really like that "off topic" option. Was gonna share the story, then realized it's kinda lengthy for the post. But then I saw the off topic tag in the posting toolbar! Its icon is the yellow quote bubble.

Thanks! I never knew it was there. I'm glad you broke it in for us.

I think the old man was maybe jealous of the attention the cat got. I like to think that at the end, when Ed turns down Mrs. Hodge's offer of adoption, the cat comes back and sleeps in the bassinet again, to the old man's chagrin

I like your tag ending!

I actually don't remember seeing that title! But yes, the severe bun ( ) would be a good visual shorthand for her sternness and judgmentalism.

[BettyLouSpence]

OH okay, yes! Now I remember Which makes it even worse because I actually rewatched it last night

[donnie]

OH okay, yes! Now I remember Which makes it even worse because I actually rewatched it last night

It's funny how you can miss things, even when you've watched something twice. For example, I never noticed the bit about the Ouija board that you and Kitty were talking about. I guess it's where your eyes go on the screen, or how you're processing things.