For Better, for Worse

Plot

Dr. Edward Meade and his close friend Richard Burton are both deeply in love with the beautiful Sylvia Norcross. When World War I breaks out, both men enlist in the military, but Dr. Meade is ordered to remain behind to care for children suffering from deformities caused by the war. Sylvia, unaware of his noble assignment and believing him to be a coward, marries Richard Burton instead. After Burton is reported killed in action, Meade and Sylvia finally plan to marry, but their happiness is shattered when Burton returns home alive but severely maimed and scarred, forcing Sylvia to choose between her duty to her injured husband and her enduring love for Dr. Meade.

Historical Background

Made in 1919, 'For Better, for Worse' emerged in the immediate aftermath of World War I, a period when America was grappling with the physical and psychological toll of the conflict. The film reflected the national conversation about disabled veterans and their reintegration into society. It was also produced during the Spanish Flu pandemic, which had killed millions worldwide and made filmmaking particularly challenging. The silent film era was at its peak in 1919, with Hollywood establishing itself as the global center of cinema production. Cecil B. DeMille was becoming one of the most influential directors in Hollywood, known for his lavish productions and moral themes.

Making Of

Cecil B. DeMille was known for his hands-on approach to filmmaking, and 'For Better, for Worse' was no exception. He personally supervised every aspect of production, from script development to final editing. The film was shot at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, where DeMille had access to some of the most sophisticated production facilities of the era. The makeup effects for Tom Forman's character transformation were particularly challenging and time-consuming, requiring hours of application each day. The film's hospital scenes were shot with actual medical consultants to ensure authenticity. DeMille insisted on using real disabled children in certain sequences, which was unusual for the time but added powerful emotional impact to the story.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Alvin Wyckoff employed the sophisticated lighting techniques that were becoming characteristic of DeMille productions. The film used dramatic contrast between light and shadow to emphasize the emotional states of the characters, particularly in the hospital scenes. The battle sequences were shot with a sense of realism that was unusual for the time, using multiple cameras to capture different angles of the action. The makeup effects on Tom Forman's character were carefully lit to maximize their impact without being overly grotesque. The film's visual style helped establish the dramatic tone and emotional weight of the story.

Innovations

The film was notable for its advanced makeup effects, particularly the transformation of Tom Forman's character from a handsome soldier to a disfigured veteran. The prosthetic work was considered groundbreaking for 1919 and influenced subsequent films dealing with similar themes. The battle sequences employed innovative camera techniques and editing to create a sense of realism and chaos. The film also featured sophisticated set design, with the hospital sets being particularly detailed and realistic. The lighting techniques used to create emotional atmospheres were ahead of their time and influenced the development of film noir in later decades.

Music

As a silent film, 'For Better, for Worse' would have been accompanied by live musical performances in theaters. The original score was composed by William Furst, who was one of the most prolific film composers of the silent era. The music would have been performed by theater orchestras, with cue sheets provided to guide the musicians through the emotional journey of the film. The score likely featured dramatic themes for the war scenes, romantic motifs for the love story, and somber music for the hospital sequences. Unfortunately, no recordings of the original score survive.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic reveal of Burton's disfigurement when he returns home, a scene that shocked audiences with its realistic makeup effects and emotional intensity. The sequence begins with Sylvia's joy at Burton's return, which quickly turns to horror and pity as she sees the extent of his injuries, creating a powerful moment of moral and emotional conflict.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its powerful emotional impact and sensitive handling of difficult subject matter. The New York Times noted that 'DeMille has created a work of rare sensitivity and depth.' Critics particularly commended the performances of the three leads, with special mention of Tom Forman's convincing portrayal of a disfigured veteran. Modern film historians view the movie as an important example of post-war cinema that addressed social issues while maintaining commercial appeal. The film is often cited as an early example of DeMille's mature directorial style, showing his ability to combine spectacle with substance.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by audiences in 1919, who found its themes of sacrifice and redemption particularly moving in the post-war period. The emotional story resonated with viewers who had experienced the war's impact personally or through loved ones. Gloria Swanson's growing popularity helped draw audiences to theaters, and the film's dramatic tension and moral complexity kept viewers engaged. The movie was considered a box office success, though exact figures are not documented. Audience reaction to the film's depiction of disability was largely positive, with many finding it eye-opening and sympathetic.

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