Clunky, episodic early talkie is a good example of the rough edges that film went through in the transition from silence to sound. Most of the performers were silent stars and are obviously still adjusting their performing style to the different requirement of the microphone. Norma, who was inexplicably nominated for an Oscar for this overly emphatic performance, is best in her speechless moments. Robert Montgomery, one of the few actors not moving from silence to sound but still new to films is awkward and fond of practically being on top of the other person in his scenes. To be fair this might have been a requirement of the new technology, and it is better than talking into a flower pot, but he seems more reliant on it than the other actors. He would improve vastly within a short period of time but here comes across as a callow youth. The great silent star Belle Bennett, rather preposterously cast as Norma's mother since they were only eleven years apart in age, is effective though some of her gestures also hark back to a more silent form of pantomime.
The movie overall works best in those passages where dialog isn't required. There is a lovely dancing scene that flows far more smoothly than any other in the film. In another sign of one era giving way to another many of the scenes are introduced via title cards and rather than an easy flow to the film it has a choppy episodic feel.
The movie overall works best in those passages where dialog isn't required. There is a lovely dancing scene that flows far more smoothly than any other in the film. In another sign of one era giving way to another many of the scenes are introduced via title cards and rather than an easy flow to the film it has a choppy episodic feel.