The Deadlier Sex
| The Deadlier Sex | |
|---|---|
 Ad for film | |
| Directed by | Robert Thornby |
| Produced by | Jesse D. Hampton |
| Story by |
Fred Myton Bayard Veiller (play) |
| Starring |
Blanche Sweet Winter Hall |
| Cinematography | Charles E. Kaufman |
Production company |
Jesse D. Hampton Productions |
| Distributed by | Pathé Exchange |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 6 reels (60 minutes) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
The Deadlier Sex is a 1920 American silent comedy film directed by Robert Thornby which stars Blanche Sweet and features Boris Karloff, and was distributed by Pathé Exchange.[1]
Plot
Based upon a review in a film publication,[2] Mary Willard (Sweet), who has taken control of her father's interests after his death, has become so exasperated at the unscrupulous business practices of Harvey Judson (Hamilton) that she has him kidnapped to teach him a lesson and protect her shareholders against him.
When Harvey wakes up in the forest, he initially believes that robbery was the motive until he discovers that no money was taken. He tries to bribe his guide to take him to the nearest settlement but to no avail, and, after two fist fights with a Frenchman (Karloff?) who is also in love with Mary, eventually comes up with a scheme which leads to his discovery by his friends.
When Harvey finds that Mary was the cause of this, they argue and he accuses her of trying to ruin him. While on the way to the nearest train station they have an automobile crash that nearly kills them. At the station, after they are told that the government has seized their property, Mary and Harvey decide to work together in the future.
Cast
- Blanche Sweet as Mary Willard
- Winter Hall as Henry Willard
- Roy Laidlaw as Huntley Green
- Mahlon Hamilton as Harvey Judson
- Russell Simpson as Jim Willis
- Boris Karloff as Jules Borney
Reception
While the outdoor scenes were appreciated and the cast described as strong, the story was criticized as being illogical and the characters undeveloped.[2]
Preservation status
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences found a print, which was restored with funding from the Louis B. Mayer Foundation. The restored print was shown on June 1, 2015 at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.
See also
References
- ↑ "Progressive Silent Film List: The Deadlier Sex". silentera.com. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
- 1 2 "The Deadlier Sex: Illogical Story Lacking in Many Points". Motion Picture News. New York City: Motion Picture News, Inc. 21 (14): 2991. Mar 27, 1920. Retrieved 2014-02-05.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Deadlier Sex. |
- The Deadlier Sex at the Internet Movie Database
- The Deadlier Sex synopsis at AllMovie
- Stills at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival website