Ten Nights in a Bar Room
Ten Nights in a Bar Room

Movie spotlight

Ten Nights in a Bar Room

1921
Movie
80 min
English

Joe Morgan, a previously respectable worker, becomes a town drunkard, losing his job and neglecting his family due to the influence of the local tavern, the "Sickle and Sheaf". Joe's daughter, Little Mary, frequently comes to the bar to beg her father to return home. During a confrontation in the bar, a thrown glass hits Little Mary, resulting in her death. Devastated by the death of his child, Joe vows revenge but reforms, ending his addiction and reuniting with his family.

Insights

Director: Harry SolterGenres: Drama, Silent Film

Plot Summary

Based on the popular 1854 novel by Timothy Shay Arthur, this silent film adaptation tells the cautionary tale of Joe Morgan, a respected man who succumbs to alcoholism after frequenting a local saloon. The story follows his descent into despair, the disintegration of his family, and the tragic consequences of his addiction. It highlights the social ills associated with excessive drinking and aims to discourage such behavior.

Critical Reception

As a silent film from 1921, contemporary critical reception is difficult to ascertain. However, the source material was widely read and influential in its time for its temperance message. Modern historical assessments generally view it as a melodramatic but earnest attempt to convey a powerful social message common in early cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • A melodramatic portrayal of the dangers of alcohol.

  • Reflects the strong temperance movement of the era.

  • Serves as a cautionary tale with a clear moral message.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1921 silent film is not readily available. Audience reception would have been primarily through cinema attendance in its initial release.

Awards & Accolades

None notable, as awards were not as comprehensively tracked or awarded during this period for films of this nature.

Fun Fact

The 1921 film is one of several adaptations of Timothy Shay Arthur's 1854 novel, which was a major success in its time and a significant piece of temperance literature.

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