Dangerous Days

Plot

Set against the backdrop of World War I, 'Dangerous Days' follows the story of an American family torn apart by conflicting loyalties when the United States enters the war. The film centers on a young woman who discovers her fiancé is involved in treasonous activities against the United States, forcing her to choose between love and country. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and betrayal through both dramatic and semi-documentary sequences. The film showcases the impact of the war on American society, from the home front to the battlefields, while maintaining a focus on personal relationships and moral dilemmas. Director Reginald Barker masterfully balances intimate character moments with broader social commentary, creating a comprehensive portrait of a nation at war.

Historical Background

Released in 1920, 'Dangerous Days' emerged during a period of intense national reflection following World War I. The United States had only entered the war in 1917, and the conflict's aftermath was still fresh in the American consciousness. The film was produced during the Red Scare of 1919-1920, a period of heightened fear about communism and political subversion in America, which made its themes of treason and patriotism particularly relevant. The early 1920s also saw Hollywood establishing itself as the global center of film production, with studios like Goldwyn Pictures creating increasingly sophisticated productions. This period marked the height of silent cinema, just before the industry would be revolutionized by sound technology. The film's release also coincided with women's suffrage being ratified in 1920, adding another layer of social change to the cultural landscape.

Making Of

The production of 'Dangerous Days' took place during a transitional period in Hollywood when studios were beginning to establish more sophisticated production methods. Director Reginald Barker, known for his work with Thomas H. Ince, brought a documentary-like realism to certain sequences while maintaining the emotional intensity of melodrama for the personal storylines. The film's use of color tinting was particularly innovative, with the production team experimenting with different chemical processes to achieve the desired effects. The casting of Lawson Butt, an Australian actor who had served in WWI, added authenticity to the military aspects of the story. The production team also incorporated actual war footage and newsreel material to enhance the documentary feel of certain scenes, a technique that was still relatively new at the time.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Dangerous Days' was notable for its innovative use of color tinting techniques to enhance emotional storytelling. Different scenes were tinted in various colors to signify different times of day, emotional states, or narrative tones - a practice that was becoming increasingly sophisticated in the early 1920s. The film also incorporated documentary-style footage alongside traditionally shot dramatic sequences, creating a visual contrast between realism and melodrama. The cinematographers employed dynamic camera movements for the action sequences while maintaining more static, composed shots for intimate dramatic moments. The lighting techniques used in the film reflected the transition from the flat lighting of early cinema to the more dramatic, expressive lighting that would become standard in the 1920s.

Innovations

The film's most significant technical achievement was its sophisticated use of color tinting to enhance storytelling. Unlike earlier films that used simple tinting, 'Dangerous Days' employed a more nuanced approach where different colors were used to signify specific emotional states or narrative elements. The seamless integration of documentary footage with staged dramatic sequences was another technical accomplishment that required careful editing and continuity. The production also demonstrated advanced techniques in creating realistic battle scenes using the limited special effects available in 1920. The film's pacing and editing structure showed a mature understanding of cinematic language, balancing multiple storylines and maintaining narrative coherence throughout.

Music

As a silent film, 'Dangerous Days' would have been accompanied by live musical performances during its theatrical run. The typical presentation would have included a theater organist or small orchestra providing musical accompaniment that followed the action and enhanced the emotional impact of each scene. The score would have been compiled from popular classical pieces, original compositions, and standard musical cues that were commonly used in silent film exhibition. The music would have varied in tempo and intensity to match the film's dramatic shifts from romantic scenes to wartime action. No specific composer or musical score is credited to the film, as was common practice for silent films of this period.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic confrontation scene where the protagonist discovers her fiancé's treasonous activities, enhanced by deep red tinting to emphasize the emotional intensity
• The documentary-style battle sequence that contrasts sharply with the film's melodramatic elements
• The final decision scene where the heroine must choose between personal love and patriotic duty, shot with soft blue tinting to convey moral contemplation

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its timely themes and innovative visual techniques. The trade publication Variety noted the film's 'effective use of color tinting to enhance dramatic moments' and commended Barker's direction for balancing the personal and political elements of the story. The Moving Picture World highlighted the film's patriotic appeal and the strength of the performances, particularly Lawson Butt's portrayal of the conflicted protagonist. Modern film historians recognize 'Dangerous Days' as an interesting example of post-war American cinema, though it is often overshadowed by more famous war films of the era. Critics today appreciate the film's technical innovations and its authentic representation of the anxieties and patriotism of the immediate post-WWI period.

What Audiences Thought

Upon its release in October 1920, 'Dangerous Days' found a receptive audience among Americans still processing the recent war experience. The film's themes of patriotism and betrayal resonated strongly with viewers who had lived through the war years or had family members who served. The combination of romance and wartime drama appealed to the broad audience base that silent films typically attracted. While specific box office figures are not available, industry reports suggested the film performed respectably in major urban markets. The film's emotional intensity and visual spectacle, enhanced by the color tinting, were particularly noted by contemporary audiences. However, like many films of its era, its popularity waned as the decade progressed and newer, more technologically advanced films captured public attention.

You Might Also Like