Maternity
Maternity

Movie spotlight

Maternity

1917
Movie
50 min
English

Because of the loss of three generations of women in her family during childbirth Ellen Locke is frightened to have kids. Frustrated by her decision, her husband John finds himself drawn to his old love, Constance, now a widow with a child who bears her name. After her sister Marion dies in childbirth, Ellen becomes more obsessed, however one day when Ellen is driving little Constance home they have a car accident. An incident in the hospital changes her perspective leading to a reconciliation with John.

Insights

Director: Max L. HellmannGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

The film centers on a young woman's struggle with societal expectations and the joys and hardships of motherhood. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the challenges faced by women in early 20th-century society as they navigate their roles as mothers and individuals.

Critical Reception

As a silent film from 1917, contemporary critical reviews are scarce and difficult to access. However, its existence and thematic focus suggest it was part of a wave of films addressing social issues and domestic life, often met with public interest for their relatable narratives.

What Reviewers Say

  • Explores the emotional complexities of early motherhood.

  • Reflects societal attitudes towards women and family in the 1910s.

  • A drama focusing on domestic life and personal sacrifice.

Google audience: Information regarding specific audience reception for this film is not readily available due to its age.

Fun Fact

Alice Joyce was one of the most popular actresses of the silent film era, starring in hundreds of films between 1910 and the late 1930s.

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