Forbidden Daughters

Plot

Alva receives a mysterious message from her long-lost husband Russell, who disappeared while on an expedition in Africa. Determined to find him, she embarks on a perilous journey to the African continent, facing numerous dangers along the way. Upon arrival, she discovers that Russell is being held captive by Loma, a powerful native princess who rules her tribe with authority and has become romantically attached to the explorer. Alva must prove herself superior to the princess in various challenges and competitions to win back her husband's freedom. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation between the two women as they compete for Russell's loyalty and affection.

Historical Background

1927 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the transition from silent films to 'talkies' with the release of 'The Jazz Singer.' This was also a period of increasing censorship in Hollywood, with the Hays Code beginning to be enforced more strictly. Films like 'Forbidden Daughters' represented a counter-current to this trend of moral purification, operating in the exploitation film market that catered to audiences seeking more provocative content. The late 1920s saw significant social changes, including shifting attitudes toward sexuality and morality, which created both opportunities and challenges for filmmakers like Allen who pushed boundaries.

Making Of

Albert Arthur Allen was a controversial figure in early Hollywood, known for pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on screen. He operated outside the mainstream studio system, often financing his own productions through private investors. The filming of 'Forbidden Daughters' would have been done quickly and efficiently, with Allen serving as director, producer, and likely having creative control over all aspects of production. The cast, including Clarice Conwell, Gladys DeLores, and Kathryn Kay, were likely actresses who were willing to appear in nude scenes, which was considered scandalous at the time. Allen's productions often faced legal challenges, and he developed various strategies to avoid censorship, including marketing his films as educational or anthropological studies.

Visual Style

As a low-budget exploitation film from 1927, the cinematography would have been straightforward and functional rather than innovative. The film likely used standard black and white film stock of the era, with basic lighting setups. The African setting would have been created using painted backdrops, stock footage, or minimal outdoor locations in California. Any nude scenes would have been carefully lit and composed to maximize their impact while attempting to maintain an 'artistic' justification. The cinematography would have served primarily to showcase the provocative elements that were the film's main selling point.

Innovations

As a low-budget exploitation film, 'Forbidden Daughters' would not have featured significant technical innovations. The film would have used standard equipment and techniques of the late silent era. The primary technical challenge would have been filming nude scenes while attempting to avoid legal complications, which required careful framing and lighting strategies. The film's production values would have been modest compared to mainstream studio productions of the same period.

Music

As a silent film from 1927, 'Forbidden Daughters' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during theatrical exhibitions. The score would likely have been compiled from existing classical pieces or popular music of the era, selected to match the mood of various scenes. More adventurous scenes, particularly those set in Africa, might have featured 'exotic' sounding music to enhance the sense of adventure and otherness. The music would have been performed by a theater's house pianist or organist, with larger theaters possibly employing small ensembles.

Memorable Scenes

• The confrontation scene between Alva and Princess Loma, where the two women compete for Russell's attention
• Alva's arrival in Africa, showcasing the film's attempt at exotic location shooting
• The various challenge scenes where Alva must prove herself superior to the native princess

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception of 'Forbidden Daughters' was likely minimal or non-existent in mainstream publications, as exploitation films of this era were typically ignored or condemned by respectable critics. The film would have been reviewed only in specialized publications that catered to the exploitation film market. Modern film historians view Allen's work as an important part of early cinema history, though often with mixed feelings about its artistic merit versus its sensationalist nature. The film is now studied primarily for its historical significance as an example of early exploitation cinema and its role in the broader context of film censorship debates.

What Audiences Thought

The film likely found its audience among those seeking more provocative content than was available in mainstream cinema of the era. Exploitation films like 'Forbidden Daughters' were typically shown in specialized theaters or through alternative distribution channels, attracting audiences curious about taboo subjects. The combination of adventure themes with the promise of nudity would have been a significant draw. However, the film's audience would have been limited compared to mainstream productions, and it likely faced legal challenges in many jurisdictions due to its content.

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