Children of Divorce

Plot

Jean Waddington, a young flapper raised in a boarding school after her parents' bitter divorce, is determined to marry her childhood friend Ted Larrabee. Ted, however, is secretly in love with Kitty Flanders but has avoided proposing due to his deep-seated fear that their marriage would end in divorce like his parents'. Jean cleverly manipulates Ted into marrying her by exploiting his sense of duty and their long-standing friendship. The marriage proves disastrous as Ted cannot hide his true feelings for Kitty, leading to emotional turmoil and heartbreak for all three. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Jean must face the consequences of her actions and the reality that love cannot be forced through deception.

Historical Background

Released in 1927, 'Children of Divorce' emerged during the final golden age of silent cinema, just months before the sound revolution would transform Hollywood. The film reflected the changing social attitudes of the Roaring Twenties, a period marked by increasing divorce rates, women's liberation, and questioning of traditional values. The Jazz Age was in full swing, and flappers like Clara Bow represented the new modern woman challenging Victorian-era conventions. The film's exploration of divorce's impact on children was particularly relevant as divorce rates had doubled between 1910 and 1920. This was also the year that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was founded, though the first Oscars wouldn't be awarded until 1929.

Making Of

The production faced challenges with the sensitive subject matter of divorce, which required careful handling to appease censors of the era. Clara Bow and Gary Cooper reportedly had good chemistry during filming, though Bow's reputation for being difficult on set was well-known in Hollywood. The studio invested significantly in period-accurate flapper costumes and Art Deco set designs to authentically capture the Roaring Twenties atmosphere. Director Frank Lloyd worked closely with his actors to convey the complex emotional nuances required for the dramatic scenes, as silent films relied heavily on visual storytelling and expressive performances. The film was shot during Paramount's golden era when the studio was producing some of its most prestigious pictures.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by James Wong Howe, utilized soft focus techniques and careful lighting to enhance the emotional tone of key scenes. Howe employed innovative camera movements and angles to emphasize the psychological states of the characters, particularly in the dramatic confrontation scenes. The visual style incorporated Art Deco influences in the set designs, reflecting the contemporary aesthetic of the Roaring Twenties. Close-ups were used strategically to capture the nuanced facial expressions essential for silent film storytelling. The lighting design created dramatic contrasts between the glamorous social scenes and the intimate emotional moments.

Innovations

The film employed advanced lighting techniques for its time, using innovative methods to create mood and atmosphere without dialogue. The production utilized some of the latest camera equipment available in 1927, allowing for more dynamic camera movements than earlier silent films. The set design incorporated some of the most elaborate Art Deco constructions seen in Hollywood up to that point. The film's editing techniques were considered sophisticated for the period, with smooth transitions between scenes and effective use of cross-cutting to build dramatic tension.

Music

As a silent film, it was accompanied by live musical scores in theaters, typically performed by theater orchestras or organists. The original musical cues suggested dramatic, romantic themes with jazz influences appropriate to the period. Paramount would have distributed detailed musical scores to theaters to ensure consistent accompaniment. The music would have ranged from upbeat jazz numbers for the party scenes to melancholic melodies for the emotional moments. No original soundtrack recordings survive, as was typical for silent films of this era.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic wedding scene where Jean's manipulation becomes clear
• The emotionally charged confrontation between Jean and Ted after the marriage fails
• The elaborate party scenes showcasing the decadence of the Roaring Twenties
• The final scene where Jean must face the consequences of her actions
• The tender moments between Ted and Kitty that reveal their true feelings

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its bold subject matter and strong performances, particularly Clara Bow's emotional range beyond her typical 'flapper' roles. The New York Times noted that the film handled its controversial theme with 'taste and discretion.' Modern critics appreciate the film as an important example of late silent-era melodrama and its progressive approach to social issues. Film historians often cite it as an example of how Hollywood was beginning to tackle more complex psychological themes before being constrained by the Hays Code in the 1930s. The performances of all three leads are frequently highlighted as exemplary of silent film acting at its most nuanced.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by audiences of its time, particularly drawing fans of Clara Bow who were eager to see her in a more dramatic role. The controversial subject matter of divorce generated significant public interest and discussion, helping to drive ticket sales. Young audiences related to the film's portrayal of modern relationships and the challenges facing their generation. The chemistry between the three leads was particularly praised by moviegoers, with many noting Gary Cooper's emerging star power. The film's success at the box office demonstrated that audiences were ready for more mature themes in their entertainment.

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