Love 'Em and Leave 'Em
"A Sister's Promise - A Sister's Peril"
Plot
Mame Walsh (Evelyn Brent) is a responsible older sister who promised her dying mother to always look after her younger sister Janie (Louise Brooks). Despite Janie's reckless behavior - borrowing Mame's clothes, pursuing her men, and even misappropriating money entrusted to Mame by fellow employees at the department store where they both work - Mame remains bound by her promise. When Janie's irresponsible actions lead to serious trouble, including the disappearance of employee funds, Mame must come to her sister's rescue, navigating a complex web of romance, workplace politics, and family obligation. The film explores themes of sisterly loyalty, responsibility versus freedom, and the challenges of keeping promises to loved ones, all set against the backdrop of 1920s urban life and the emerging modern woman.
About the Production
This film was produced during the peak of the silent era and showcases the rising star power of Louise Brooks, who was still relatively early in her career. The production utilized Paramount's state-of-the-art facilities and benefited from the studio's commitment to quality productions. Director Frank Tuttle was known for his efficient directing style and ability to work well with actors, which helped create the natural chemistry between the leads.
Historical Background
The film was produced in 1926, during the peak of the silent film era and the height of the Roaring Twenties. This period was characterized by unprecedented social change, particularly for women who were gaining new freedoms and challenging traditional gender roles. The flapper culture, with its emphasis on independence and modernity, was at its zenith, and films like this reflected and shaped these cultural shifts. The American economy was booming, and consumer culture was expanding, making the department store setting particularly relevant. The film industry itself was undergoing rapid technological and artistic development, with Hollywood establishing itself as the global center of film production. This was also a time when the studio system was consolidating its power, with major studios like Paramount controlling production, distribution, and exhibition.
Why This Film Matters
'Love 'Em and Leave 'Em' serves as an important cultural document of 1920s American society, particularly regarding the changing roles of women. The film explores the tension between traditional family obligations and modern independence, a central conflict for women of the era. Louise Brooks' portrayal of the carefree Janie helped cement the flapper archetype in popular culture, influencing fashion and behavior patterns of young women across America. The department store setting reflects the growing importance of consumer culture and women's participation in the workforce. The film also contributes to the evolution of the sister dynamic in cinema, moving beyond simplistic portrayals to explore complex family relationships. Its preservation allows modern audiences to understand the social dynamics and values of the Jazz Age, making it valuable for both film historians and cultural scholars.
Making Of
The making of 'Love 'Em and Leave 'Em' occurred during a transformative period in Hollywood history. The film was shot on Paramount's backlot in Hollywood, where the studio had invested heavily in creating realistic urban environments. Director Frank Tuttle was known for his collaborative approach with actors, allowing for improvisation within the structured narrative. The chemistry between Evelyn Brent and Louise Brooks was genuine, as both actresses were navigating the challenges of stardom in the competitive studio system. The costume department created authentic 1920s flapper fashions that helped define the characters' personalities and the film's visual style. The production team faced the technical challenges of filming in confined department store sets, requiring innovative camera movements and lighting techniques to capture the bustling workplace atmosphere.
Visual Style
The cinematography, handled by Victor Milner, showcased the technical sophistication of late silent-era filmmaking. The department store sequences utilized complex lighting setups to create the illusion of a bustling retail environment, with multiple light sources and careful attention to shadows and highlights. The camera work employed both static shots and subtle movements to enhance the storytelling, particularly in scenes involving the sisters' interactions. The use of close-ups was judicious but effective, especially in capturing the expressive performances of the lead actresses. The film's visual style balanced the glossy artificiality of studio sets with a sense of realism that made the story more relatable to contemporary audiences. The black and white photography demonstrated excellent contrast and tonal range, typical of Paramount's high production standards during this period.
Innovations
While not groundbreaking in terms of technical innovation, the film demonstrated the high level of craftsmanship achieved by Hollywood studios by the mid-1920s. The production design for the department store sets was particularly impressive, creating a convincing representation of 1920s retail environments. The lighting techniques used to simulate natural light within the store sets showed advanced understanding of cinematographic principles. The film's editing maintained good pacing throughout its narrative, effectively balancing the comedic and dramatic elements. The makeup and costume departments achieved authentic period looks that enhanced the storytelling without appearing artificial. The film's successful integration of multiple genres within a single narrative demonstrated the narrative sophistication that had developed in silent cinema by this period.
Music
As a silent film, 'Love 'Em and Leave 'Em' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The score would have been provided by theater orchestras or organists, typically following cue sheets provided by the studio. These cue sheets suggested appropriate musical themes for different scenes and emotions, ranging from upbeat jazz numbers for the flapper sequences to more dramatic classical pieces for moments of conflict. The music would have reflected the popular styles of 1926, including jazz, ragtime, and contemporary popular songs. The rhythm and tempo of the musical accompaniment would have been crucial in enhancing the film's comedic moments and emotional beats. Modern restorations and screenings of the film typically feature newly composed scores or carefully selected period-appropriate music to recreate the original viewing experience.
Did You Know?
- This was one of Louise Brooks' early starring roles before she became an international sensation with 'Pandora's Box' (1929)
- The film was based on a popular stage play by George V. Hobart and J.C. Nugent
- Evelyn Brent, who played the responsible sister Mame, was actually two years younger than Louise Brooks in real life
- The department store scenes were filmed on elaborate sets that replicated real 1920s retail environments
- Director Frank Tuttle would later direct several films for Paramount during the transition to sound
- The film showcased the modern flapper lifestyle that was defining the 1920s cultural landscape
- Louise Brooks' distinctive bob haircut, which would become her trademark, was prominently featured in this film
- The movie was released during the height of the Jazz Age, reflecting the era's changing social mores
- Paramount promoted the film heavily, recognizing the growing popularity of its young female stars
- The film's title became a popular phrase in 1920s slang, referring to casual romantic relationships
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics praised the film for its engaging performances and authentic depiction of 1920s life. The New York Times noted the 'natural charm' of the leading ladies and the film's 'entertaining blend of comedy and drama.' Variety magazine highlighted Louise Brooks' 'sparkling screen presence' and predicted a bright future for the young actress. Modern critics have come to appreciate the film as an important example of late silent cinema, particularly for its nuanced portrayal of female relationships and its reflection of Jazz Age culture. Film historians have noted the film's sophisticated approach to character development, which went beyond the simple stereotypes common in many silent films. The performances, particularly Brooks' work, have been reevaluated as showing early signs of the revolutionary screen presence that would make her an icon of silent cinema.
What Audiences Thought
The film was well-received by audiences in 1926, particularly young women who identified with the characters' struggles and aspirations. Movie theaters reported good attendance, especially in urban areas where the department store setting resonated with viewers' daily experiences. The chemistry between the two leading actresses was a particular draw, with many audience members appreciating the realistic sister dynamic. The film's mix of comedy, romance, and drama appealed to a broad demographic, helping it achieve commercial success. Contemporary audience letters and reviews in fan magazines praised the film's entertainment value and the relatable nature of its characters. The film's popularity contributed to Louise Brooks' growing star status and helped establish her as a bankable leading lady for Paramount Pictures.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- The stage play by George V. Hobart and J.C. Nugent
- Contemporary films about working women
- Popular literature about flapper culture
- German expressionist cinema's visual style
- American comedy traditions of the 1920s
This Film Influenced
- Later films about sister relationships
- 1930s workplace comedies
- Films featuring flapper characters
- Movies about family obligation versus personal freedom