The Plastic Age
The Plastic Age

The Plastic Age

1925Movie73 minEnglish

Hugh Carver is an athletic star and a freshman at Prescott College. He falls in love with Cynthia Day, a popular girl who loves to party, and finds that it's impossible to please her and still keep up with his studies and athletic training. Soon the two face some difficult decisions.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Victor FlemingGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Cynthia, a naive college student, becomes the object of affection for two very different men: the handsome and popular athlete George Kirkwood, and the wealthy and somewhat older Carl Barton. Cynthia finds herself drawn to George's charm but is also intrigued by Carl's sophistication. Her journey through college life is marked by social pressures, romantic entanglements, and the choices she makes that will shape her future.

Critical Reception

The Plastic Age was a significant success upon its release, praised for its contemporary portrayal of college life and its star-making performance by Clara Bow. It resonated with audiences for its depiction of youthful romance and societal expectations, becoming one of Paramount's biggest hits of the year. While modern critical analysis often focuses on its historical context and Bow's iconic performance, contemporary reviews highlighted its engaging narrative and relatable themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Clara Bow's captivating performance as the central heroine was a major highlight.
  • The film offered an engaging and somewhat scandalous look at college life during the Roaring Twenties.
  • Its success cemented Bow's status as a major silent film star.

Google audience: Audience reception information for "The Plastic Age" is not readily available through standard Google user reviews due to its age.

Fun Fact

The film is considered a significant early example of the 'flapper' archetype in cinema, largely due to Clara Bow's portrayal of the spirited and modern college girl.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review