Movie spotlight
Dorian's Divorce
Wealthy clubman Richard Dorian is a lighthearted soul who can't seem to take anything seriously, including his wife. Even when they decide to divorce, he meets the lawyers with a smile. When one of the attorneys suggests a charge of brutality, Mrs. Dorian points out that it is ludicrous. Dorian offers to have a party on his yacht, during which he will try very hard to be brutal to her to give her grounds for the divorce. Among the partygoers are Mrs. Dorian's guardian and Morgan, a smuggler who is buying the yacht. The guardian, who has squandered Mrs. Dorian's money on the stock market, kills himself. Dorian thinks that his wife killed him, gallantly takes the blame himself, and dives overboard. He becomes a tramp and is shanghaied by Morgan's men to become a stoker on his former yacht. Dorian's steward, Puck, is still onboard, and he tells Dorian that the guardian committed suicide.
Insights
Plot Summary
This silent film follows the marital struggles and eventual divorce of Dorian and his wife, exploring the societal norms and personal challenges of the era. The narrative delves into the complexities of relationships and the legalities surrounding separation.
Critical Reception
As a silent short from 1916, critical reception is difficult to ascertain with modern metrics. However, the film was produced by a notable figure in children's literature, L. Frank Baum, and featured emerging talents in Dorothy and Lillian Gish. Its existence is more of a historical footnote in early American cinema.
What Reviewers Say
A rare glimpse into early 20th-century filmmaking.
Features early performances from the celebrated Gish sisters.
Historical significance lies in its producer and cast rather than critical acclaim.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this extremely early silent film is not available.
Fun Fact
This film is notable for being one of the very few directorial efforts by L. Frank Baum, the beloved author of 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'.
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