Amarilly of Clothes-Line Alley

Plot

Amarilly Nutter, a cheerful and hardworking young woman from a large Irish-American family in the working-class tenement district known as Clothes-Line Alley, is content with her simple life and her relationship with Terry McGowen, a local bartender. When she meets Gordon Phillips, a wealthy young sculptor from the upper class, her world begins to expand as he introduces her to refined society and offers her a position as his housekeeper. As Amarilly navigates between her humble roots and the sophisticated world of the wealthy, she finds herself torn between the familiar comfort of her neighborhood and the allure of high society. The film explores themes of class division, cultural identity, and the true meaning of happiness as Amarilly ultimately realizes that genuine love and belonging cannot be bought with money or social status.

Historical Background

1918 was a pivotal year in American history, occurring during the final months of World War I and the beginning of the Spanish Flu pandemic. The film's themes of class division and social mobility resonated strongly with audiences experiencing rapid social change. The year also saw significant developments in the film industry, with stars like Pickford gaining unprecedented control over their productions. The movie reflected the American Dream narrative that was particularly appealing to immigrant audiences and working-class Americans seeking upward mobility. The film's release coincided with the growing power of the Hollywood studio system and the establishment of cinema as America's dominant form of entertainment.

Making Of

Director Marshall Neilan was one of Pickford's favorite collaborators, and their partnership resulted in some of her most successful films. Neilan brought a naturalistic style to the production, encouraging more subtle performances from the actors than was typical in silent films. Pickford, as producer, had final say on all creative decisions and was known to be extremely hands-on during filming, often suggesting changes to scenes and dialogue. The film's success was due in large part to the chemistry between Pickford and her co-stars, as well as the authentic portrayal of class differences that resonated with audiences of the time. The production team spent considerable time researching New York tenements to ensure accuracy in their depiction of working-class life.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by Walter Stradling and Charles Rosher, employed innovative techniques for the time, including the use of natural lighting in the tenement scenes to create a realistic atmosphere. The contrast between the dim, cramped spaces of Clothes-Line Alley and the bright, spacious interiors of the wealthy characters' homes was achieved through careful lighting design. The film used medium shots more frequently than was typical for the period, allowing audiences to better connect with the characters' emotions. The camera work was notably fluid for 1918, with smooth tracking shots that followed characters through the tenement streets.

Innovations

The film was notable for its advanced set design, which created convincing representations of both New York tenements and upper-class homes. The production used innovative lighting techniques to distinguish between the different social environments. The editing, supervised by Marshall Neilan, employed cross-cutting to effectively contrast the lives of characters from different social classes. The film also featured relatively sophisticated makeup techniques that allowed Pickford to convincingly portray a much younger character.

Music

As a silent film, the original musical accompaniment would have been provided by theater orchestras or organists. The film was released with a suggested musical score compiled by James C. Bradford, which included popular songs of the era as well as classical pieces. The score emphasized the emotional contrasts between the working-class and upper-class settings, using folk melodies for the tenement scenes and more sophisticated classical pieces for the wealthy environments. Modern restorations have been accompanied by newly composed scores that attempt to capture the spirit of the original musical direction.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing the bustling life of Clothes-Line Alley with clotheslines stretched between buildings and children playing in the streets
• Amarilly's first visit to Gordon's luxurious studio, where she marvels at the fine art and elegant surroundings
• The emotional confrontation scene where Amarilly must choose between Terry and Gordon
• The final scene where Amarilly returns to her neighborhood, realizing where she truly belongs

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its heartwarming story and Pickford's performance. The New York Times called it 'a delightful picture that will win the hearts of all who see it,' while Variety noted that 'Miss Pickford has never been better' and praised the film's 'natural and convincing' portrayal of working-class life. Modern critics have recognized the film as an important example of Pickford's work and a significant silent film that effectively addresses social issues while maintaining popular appeal. The film is often cited as one of Pickford's most accomplished performances from her independent period.

What Audiences Thought

The film was enormously popular with audiences, becoming one of the biggest box office hits of 1918. Working-class viewers particularly connected with the authentic portrayal of tenement life, while upper-class audiences enjoyed the romantic elements and social commentary. The movie's success led to increased demand for similar stories about class mobility and romance. Audiences responded especially well to Pickford's portrayal of Amarilly, which combined innocence with strength and determination. The film's popularity helped cement Pickford's status as America's most beloved movie star and demonstrated the commercial viability of films with strong female protagonists.

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