A Girl in Every Port

Plot

Two sailors, Spike and Bill, engage in a friendly rivalry as they travel from port to port, each trying to outdo the other in romantic conquests. Their competitive dynamic is disrupted when they both fall for the same mysterious woman in Marseille, testing their friendship and leading to comedic complications. The film follows their adventures across various international ports as they navigate their relationship with each other and with women. Eventually, they must confront whether their long-standing friendship can survive their mutual attraction to the same woman, leading to a resolution that reaffirms their bond.

Historical Background

Released in 1928, 'A Girl in Every Port' emerged during the final year of the silent era, just as sound technology was revolutionizing Hollywood. The film reflects the Roaring Twenties' fascination with international adventure and the romanticized image of sailors as worldly adventurers. This period saw significant social changes, including evolving attitudes toward sexuality and relationships, which the film hints at through its exploration of casual romance. The late 1920s also marked the peak of Paramount Pictures' dominance as one of the major studios, with the company known for producing sophisticated comedies and adventure films. Howard Hawks, though not yet the legendary director he would become, was part of a new generation of filmmakers who would help define Hollywood's Golden Age. The film's release came just months before the stock market crash of 1929, which would dramatically alter the film industry and American society.

Making Of

Howard Hawks, who had previously worked as a story editor and assistant director, was given the opportunity to direct 'A Girl in Every Port' based on his understanding of pacing and action sequences. The production utilized Paramount's extensive facilities to create convincing international port settings. The chemistry between Victor McLaglen and Robert Armstrong was genuine, as the two actors developed a real friendship during filming that translated well on screen. Louise Brooks, though relatively unknown at the time, impressed Hawks with her natural acting style and screen presence. The film was shot quickly to capitalize on the popularity of adventure comedies, with Hawks employing his characteristic overlapping dialogue technique (even in silent form) and fast-paced editing. The production team faced challenges in creating realistic maritime environments, ultimately combining studio sets with stock footage to achieve the desired effect.

Visual Style

The cinematography by James Wong Howe, though early in his distinguished career, shows the visual sophistication that would make him one of Hollywood's most respected cinematographers. Howe employed naturalistic lighting techniques that enhanced the film's realistic approach to its various port settings. The camera work includes dynamic movement during action sequences, particularly in the scenes involving the sailors' physical confrontations and romantic pursuits. Howe made effective use of shadows and contrast to create atmosphere in the more mysterious scenes involving Louise Brooks' character. The international settings were rendered through careful set design and lighting that suggested different locations without extensive location shooting. The visual style balances the comedic elements with moments of genuine drama, using the camera to emphasize both the physical comedy and the emotional stakes of the story.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in technical terms, 'A Girl in Every Port' demonstrated Howard Hawks' mastery of film language and pacing, particularly in his use of editing to create rhythm and energy in the action sequences. The film employed some of the earliest uses of montage to show the sailors' travels across different ports, using quick cuts and superimpositions to convey the passage of time and distance. The production made effective use of matte paintings and miniatures to create the illusion of international locations within the confines of a studio setting. Some versions of the film utilized the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system for synchronized music and sound effects, representing the transitional technology between silent and sound cinema. The underwater sequences, though brief, were technically ambitious for the time and required special equipment and safety precautions.

Music

As a silent film, 'A Girl in Every Port' was accompanied by a musical score performed live in theaters during its original release. The score was composed by Josiah Zuro, Paramount's house composer, and featured a mix of popular songs of the era and original compositions that reflected the international settings of the film. The music included nautical themes, romantic melodies for the scenes with women in various ports, and dramatic motifs for the moments of conflict between the two sailors. Some theaters used the Vitaphone system to provide synchronized sound effects and a recorded musical score, which was becoming increasingly common in 1928. The soundtrack helped establish the mood for each location, with different musical styles suggesting the various international ports visited by the sailors.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where the two sailors first meet and establish their competitive friendship
• The scene in the Marseille cafe where both men first encounter Marie and are immediately smitten
• The comedic sequence of misunderstandings as each sailor tries to court Marie without the other knowing
• The physical confrontation between the two friends that ultimately leads to their reconciliation
• The final scene where the sailors decide their friendship is more important than their rivalry

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'A Girl in Every Port' for its energetic pacing, humorous situations, and the chemistry between its leads. Variety noted the film's 'rollicking good fun' and particularly praised Victor McLaglen's physical comedy. The New York Times highlighted Howard Hawks' direction as 'fresh and vigorous,' suggesting a promising career ahead for the young director. Modern critics and film historians have reassessed the film as an important early work in Howard Hawks' filmography, noting the emergence of his signature themes and style. The film is often cited as a precursor to Hawks' later masterpieces, particularly in its handling of male relationships and professional camaraderie. While not considered Hawks' greatest work, it is valued for its entertainment value and historical importance in understanding the director's development.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1928 responded positively to 'A Girl in Every Port,' finding it an entertaining and lighthearted adventure comedy. The film performed well at the box office, particularly in urban areas where stories of international travel and romance resonated with moviegoers. The chemistry between Victor McLaglen and Robert Armstrong was particularly appreciated by viewers, who enjoyed their competitive yet friendly dynamic. Louise Brooks, though not yet the star she would become, made an impression on audiences with her mysterious and alluring presence. The film's title and premise appealed to the public's fascination with sailors and port cities, which were seen as exotic and exciting locations. Modern audiences who have discovered the film through revival screenings or home video releases generally appreciate it as a fun example of late silent-era comedy and as an important work in Howard Hawks' career.

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