Movie spotlight
Dick's Turning
Young Dick and Milly are married but struggling, especially when Dick loses his position on a labor gang. Milly returns to her father who refuses to take Dick in as well. He wanders disconsolately in a park where he finds a kitten. Wanting to give it to Milly as a gift he follows it to the courtyard of a mansion. The young boy who lives there accidentally injures Dick, when he is carried into the house the boy's mother, touched by his Dick’s story, cares for him and sends for Milly. When he is all well again, she gives him a position in her household as a chauffeur and the young couple reunite.
Insights
Plot Summary
A woman, seemingly frustrated with her partner's philandering, decides to take matters into her own hands. She pretends to leave him, only to return disguised as a wealthy widow, hoping to win him back and teach him a lesson. The film follows her elaborate plan and its humorous unfolding.
Critical Reception
As a short silent comedy from 1913, 'Dick's Turning' is primarily appreciated for its historical significance as a work by Alice Guy-Blaché, a pioneer in filmmaking. While specific contemporary critical reviews are scarce, its place in film history highlights early comedic storytelling and directorial innovation.
What Reviewers Say
A notable early example of comedic direction by a female filmmaker.
Demonstrates rudimentary plot development and character interaction for its era.
Historically significant for its contribution to the nascent film industry.
Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to the film's age and limited accessibility. However, its historical context as an early work by a pioneering female director likely garners appreciation from film history enthusiasts.
Fun Fact
Alice Guy-Blaché directed over a thousand films during her career, making her one of the most prolific directors of the silent era, yet she remained largely unknown for much of the 20th century.
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