Blue Jeans

Plot

June, a young orphan girl traveling alone to the town of Rising Sun, encounters Perry Bascom when he kindly shares his lunch with her on the road. The two quickly develop a deep connection and fall in love, soon marrying and beginning their life together in Rising Sun. Their happiness is threatened when a mysterious woman from Perry's past arrives in town, determined to cause trouble in his life. This vengeful woman teams up with the local political bully, creating a powerful alliance of schemers who systematically work to destroy Perry's reputation and livelihood. Despite facing mounting pressure, false accusations, and social ostracism, June remains steadfastly loyal to her husband, standing by his side through every trial. The couple's love and integrity are ultimately tested as they fight against the corrupt forces threatening to tear their marriage and community apart.

Historical Background

Blue Jeans was produced during a pivotal moment in American history, as the United States was deeply involved in World War I following its entry in April 1917. The film reflected the era's fascination with small-town American values and morality, which were seen as the virtues the nation was fighting to protect abroad. The Progressive Era was still influencing American culture, with themes of political corruption and reform resonating strongly with audiences. The film industry itself was undergoing major changes, with the center of film production shifting from the East Coast to Hollywood. Edison Studios, once a pioneer in cinema, was struggling to maintain relevance against the newer West Coast studios. The film's themes of loyalty and steadfastness in the face of adversity mirrored the national mood during wartime.

Making Of

The production of Blue Jeans took place during a transitional period for Edison Studios, as the company was struggling to compete with newer Hollywood studios. Director John H. Collins was considered one of Edison's most promising young directors, known for his ability to elicit naturalistic performances from actors. The film's romantic scenes between Viola Dana and Bob Walker were particularly praised for their authenticity, likely enhanced by the real-life marriage between Dana and Collins. The production utilized Edison's advanced lighting equipment, allowing for more nuanced visual storytelling than was typical of the period. The film's rural setting was recreated on studio lots in the Bronx, with careful attention to period detail in costumes and props. The political corruption subplot reflected contemporary concerns about small-town politics during the Progressive Era.

Visual Style

The cinematography of Blue Jeans was handled by Lawrence D. 'Larry' Williams, who utilized Edison's advanced lighting equipment to create more naturalistic images than was typical of the period. The film employed soft focus techniques for romantic scenes and high contrast lighting for dramatic moments, reflecting the evolving visual language of cinema. The use of location shooting, though limited, added authenticity to the rural setting. The camera work was relatively static, as was common in 1917, but Williams incorporated subtle movement to enhance emotional scenes. The film's visual style emphasized natural lighting and realistic settings, moving away from the theatrical look of earlier films.

Innovations

Blue Jeans utilized Edison's advanced lighting equipment, which allowed for more nuanced lighting effects than many contemporary films. The production employed multiple camera setups for key scenes, a technique that was still relatively innovative in 1917. The film's editing was praised for its smooth continuity and emotional pacing, representing the maturation of film grammar during the late silent period. The use of location footage, though limited, demonstrated the industry's move away from purely studio-bound productions. The film's preservation of visual quality across five reels showed improvements in film stock consistency and processing techniques.

Music

As a silent film, Blue Jeans would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its theatrical run. The typical score would have been compiled from classical pieces and popular songs of the era, with the theater organist or pianist selecting music to match the mood of each scene. Romantic scenes would have been accompanied by sentimental melodies like 'Hearts and Flowers,' while dramatic moments would have used more intense classical pieces. Edison Studios often provided cue sheets with their films, suggesting appropriate musical selections for exhibitors. No original composed score exists for the film, as was standard practice for silent era productions.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene where Perry shares his lunch with the orphan June on the road to Rising Sun, establishing their immediate connection. The wedding sequence, notable for its naturalistic portrayal of a simple country ceremony. The confrontation scene where June stands up to the political bully, showing her strength and loyalty. The emotional climax where June's unwavering faith in Perry helps him overcome his enemies. The final reconciliation scene that emphasizes the triumph of love and integrity over corruption and deceit.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised Blue Jeans for its heartfelt performances and genuine emotional depth. The Moving Picture World noted that 'Viola Dana gives one of her most touching performances, bringing real tears to the audience's eyes.' The New York Dramatic Mirror highlighted the film's 'sincere portrayal of rural American life' and praised John H. Collins' direction for its 'subtle understanding of human emotion.' Modern film historians consider the film a fine example of late silent-era melodrama, with particular appreciation for its naturalistic acting style compared to the more theatrical performances common in earlier films. The film is often cited as a showcase for Viola Dana's talent and John H. Collins' directorial skill before his untimely death.

What Audiences Thought

Blue Jeans was well-received by audiences of its time, particularly in smaller towns where its rural setting and themes resonated strongly. The film's emotional story of love and loyalty appealed to the family audiences who were the primary moviegoers during the 1910s. Contemporary theater reports indicated that the film drew good crowds and generated positive word-of-mouth, with many exhibitors reporting that audiences were moved to tears by the story. The film's success helped establish Viola Dana as a major star and proved profitable for Edison Studios during its final years of operation. Audience appreciation for the film's authentic portrayal of working-class characters and its moral message about the power of love and fidelity contributed to its commercial success.

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