Movie spotlight
The Darling of Paris
This film is a very loose film adaptation of the 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo and presumed lost: The wealthy girl Esmeralda is kidnapped by gypsies at birth and becomes, as one might assume, the darling of Paris. She is loved by the bell ringer and former hunchback Quasimodo, Frollo, the wicked surgeon who cares him, and an equally wicked Captain Phoebus.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during the French Revolution, this silent drama follows the tragic fate of Marie Antoinette. The film depicts her lavish lifestyle, her growing unpopularity with the French people, and her eventual downfall and execution. It explores the political turmoil and social unrest that led to the monarchy's end.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1917, specific critical reception data is scarce. However, Theda Bara's performance as a vamp was highly popular with audiences of the era, and director J. Gordon Edwards was known for his sensational melodramas. The film was a commercial success, capitalizing on the public's fascination with historical epics and Bara's star power.
What Reviewers Say
Theda Bara delivers a compelling performance as the doomed queen.
A grand historical spectacle typical of early 20th-century filmmaking.
Explores the dramatic events of the French Revolution with theatrical flair.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this silent film is not available.
Fun Fact
Although often referred to as 'The Darling of Paris,' the film's original title was 'A Daughter of the Gods', but it was changed before release to capitalize on the popularity of Paris as a setting and Theda Bara's exotic persona.
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