Conrad in Quest of His Youth
Conrad in Quest of His Youth

Movie spotlight

Conrad in Quest of His Youth

1920
Movie
75 min
English

Conrad Warrener, a man of near middle-age, reflects nostalgically on the happy times of his youth and decides to recapture them. However, what he learns about the "second time around" is neither what he expected nor what he hoped for.

Insights

Director: William C. deMilleGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Conrad, a man weary of his dull, middle-aged life, makes a pact with the devil to regain his lost youth. He is transported back to his younger days, but soon discovers that his memories of youth are rose-tinted and that the realities of being young again are not as appealing as he imagined. He must navigate the complexities of his past relationships and the consequences of his altered timeline.

Critical Reception

As a silent film from 1920, contemporary critical reception is difficult to ascertain with certainty. However, it was a popular release based on the novel and featured a well-regarded star of the era. Modern critical analysis focuses on its place in early Hollywood cinema and its exploration of themes of nostalgia and regret.

What Reviewers Say

  • A charming adaptation of a popular novel.

  • Thomas Meighan delivers a compelling performance as the titular character.

  • Explores relatable themes of aging and the allure of the past.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews from 1920 is unavailable. However, the film's themes of recapturing youth and confronting past decisions would likely have resonated with audiences of the time.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Leonard Merrick, first published in 1896.

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