As with most early talkies, some of the performances will appear insecure and the dialogue may seem either flat or overracted. For many actors the transition to sound was not an easy one. The early recording devices of the late twenties were not refined until many years later. So to modern audiences much of this will seem crude amidst this age of digital technology. This film is certainly not one of Mary Pickford's best work. I think its true to say her silent era was her golden age.
Upon viewing this film it becomes evident of the transition period in the film industry. The actors are speaking but there is the hint of gestural expressions that became common in the silent era. Its by no means a cinematic work of art, but there are some redeeming qualities. I happen to have got a tape taken from a good print so as to observe that some of the photography and lighting was somewhat decent but not too brilliant. Some of the acting takes a back seat but it is Miss Pickford's presence that saves what would be a forgettable film. This was a whole new concept. Mary Pickford speaks for the first time and her personna was altered by her trendy apparell and short, shingled hairstyle. In my opinion she was worthy of the Academy Award. Not only was she one of greatest actresses of the century but she was very instrumental in the deveopment of the film industry. But still her talkies don't compare to her silent films. It is these more than anything that secures her status of the icon she truly was, "America's Sweetheart".
Upon viewing this film it becomes evident of the transition period in the film industry. The actors are speaking but there is the hint of gestural expressions that became common in the silent era. Its by no means a cinematic work of art, but there are some redeeming qualities. I happen to have got a tape taken from a good print so as to observe that some of the photography and lighting was somewhat decent but not too brilliant. Some of the acting takes a back seat but it is Miss Pickford's presence that saves what would be a forgettable film. This was a whole new concept. Mary Pickford speaks for the first time and her personna was altered by her trendy apparell and short, shingled hairstyle. In my opinion she was worthy of the Academy Award. Not only was she one of greatest actresses of the century but she was very instrumental in the deveopment of the film industry. But still her talkies don't compare to her silent films. It is these more than anything that secures her status of the icon she truly was, "America's Sweetheart".