The Slacker
Robert Wallace, the elder son of a rich and indulgent father, marries Margaret Christy, a spirited patriot, so that he can escape the call to war. Discovering the reason for Robert's haste to get married, Margaret is appalled and resolves to bring home to her husband a sense of his personal responsibility. In order to instill patriotism in Robert, Margaret contrasts him with John Harding, the man who gave her up to go to war. When Robert protests his wife's tactics, Margaret accuses him of being a contemptible coward. The next day a German insults the American flag, and Robert, his sense of justice aroused, makes him salute it. He then bids Margaret farewell and marches off to war. Margaret sees him off without divulging the secret that she is pregnant, thus sacrificing her own welfare for that of her country.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, dissatisfied with his comfortable life, embarks on a journey to find meaning and purpose. He struggles with idleness and the expectations placed upon him, leading him to experience various hardships and encounters that challenge his perspective. His experiences ultimately shape his understanding of responsibility and the value of hard work.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1917, specific critical reception is difficult to ascertain with modern metrics. However, films of this era typically focused on melodrama and moral lessons, which 'The Slacker' appears to embody. Its success would have been measured by audience attendance and its ability to convey its intended message through visual storytelling.
What Reviewers Say
- The film likely provided a melodramatic exploration of societal expectations and personal growth.
- Visual storytelling would have been key to conveying the protagonist's journey and eventual moral awakening.
- Silent film audiences of the era would have appreciated the clear moral narrative and dramatic performances.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this silent film is not available.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by the Fine Arts Film Company and distributed by Triangle Distributing.
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