Is Money Everything?
Plot
A discontented farmer, tired of his rural existence, convinces his friend to accompany him to the big city in pursuit of wealth and success. The pair quickly adapt to urban life and achieve remarkable financial prosperity through various business ventures. However, their newfound fortune brings unexpected complications including moral compromises, strained relationships, and the corrupting influence of wealth on their characters. As they navigate the challenges of their success, they begin to question whether material gain has truly improved their lives or if they've lost something more valuable in the process. The film ultimately explores the age-old question of whether money can buy happiness and fulfillment.
About the Production
This film appears to be from the silent era, likely produced in the early 1920s given the cast members' active periods. The collaboration between Norman Kerry and Miriam Cooper suggests this may have been produced during their peak years in silent cinema.
Historical Background
This film was likely produced during the early 1920s, a period of tremendous change in American society and cinema. The post-World War I era saw massive urbanization, with many rural Americans moving to cities in search of economic opportunity, mirroring the film's central premise. This was also the golden age of silent cinema, before the transition to sound would revolutionize the industry. The film's exploration of wealth and morality reflected broader societal debates about the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties, a time of both unprecedented prosperity and growing concerns about materialism and moral decay.
Why This Film Matters
While this particular film appears to have been lost to time, its themes and casting reflect important aspects of silent era cinema. The film likely contributed to the era's ongoing dialogue about urbanization, wealth, and American values. The involvement of established stars like Norman Kerry and Miriam Cooper suggests it was intended as a significant production, though its apparent obscurity indicates it may not have achieved lasting impact. The film's themes remain relevant today, continuing the cinematic tradition of questioning whether financial success equates to personal fulfillment.
Making Of
Little is documented about the specific production of this film, which suggests it may be either lost or extremely obscure. Given the cast involved, it was likely produced during the height of the silent era when these actors were at their peak popularity. The collaboration between these three stars would have been notable, as they were all established figures in silent cinema. The film's moral theme about the corrupting influence of wealth was typical of the period's melodramatic storytelling style, often used to reinforce traditional American values during a time of rapid social change.
Music
As a silent film, it would have featured live musical accompaniment during theatrical screenings, typically provided by theater organists or small orchestras. The score would have been compiled from existing classical pieces or popular music of the era, with selections chosen to match the mood and action of each scene.
Famous Quotes
Memorable Scenes
Did You Know?
- Norman Kerry was one of the most popular leading men of the silent era, often starring opposite major actresses like Mary Pickford and Pola Negri
- Miriam Cooper was married to director Raoul Walsh and had previously worked extensively with D.W. Griffith on films like 'The Birth of a Nation' and 'Intolerance'
- Martha Mansfield tragically died in 1923 during the filming of 'The Warrens of Virginia' when her costume caught fire, making any film with her after that date impossible
- Director Glen Lyons appears to be an obscure figure in cinema history, with few documented films to his name
- The film's theme of rural vs. urban values was a common trope in silent era cinema, reflecting America's rapid urbanization in the early 20th century
What Critics Said
No contemporary reviews or critical assessments of this film appear to have survived, which is not uncommon for many silent era productions that have been lost or are extremely obscure. Given the star power involved, it likely received some attention upon release, but its apparent disappearance from film history suggests it may not have been particularly distinguished or memorable compared to other films of the era.
What Audiences Thought
No documented audience reception information is available for this film, which is typical for many obscure silent era productions. The presence of popular stars like Norman Kerry and Miriam Cooper would likely have attracted audiences familiar with their previous work, though the film's apparent lack of preservation suggests it may not have achieved significant popular success or lasting appeal.
Film Connections
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Film Restoration
This film appears to be either lost or extremely obscure, with no known surviving copies or comprehensive documentation in major film archives. Many films from the silent era have been lost due to the deterioration of nitrate film stock and the lack of preservation efforts in early cinema.