Manhandled

Plot

Tessie McGuire, a hardworking and ambitious department store sales clerk at a luxury New York establishment, dreams of escaping her humble circumstances and entering the world of high society. When she's mistaken for a wealthy socialite at a party, Tessie plays along with the deception, finding herself caught between her genuine affection for a poor artist and the tempting lifestyle of the rich. As her double life becomes increasingly complicated, she must navigate the treacherous waters of New York's elite while maintaining her integrity and deciding what truly matters in life. The film follows Tessie's journey through comedic misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and ultimately her realization that authenticity and genuine love outweigh social status and material wealth.

Historical Background

The year 1924 was a significant period in American cinema, marking the height of the silent film era just before the transition to sound. The Roaring Twenties were in full swing, with American society experiencing rapid changes in social mores, particularly regarding women's roles and class mobility. 'Manhandled' emerged during this cultural transformation, reflecting contemporary fascination with social climbing and the American Dream. The film's themes of a working-class woman navigating high society resonated with audiences experiencing the economic boom of the 1920s, while also touching on the era's anxieties about social change. The department store setting was particularly relevant, as these establishments were becoming symbols of American consumer culture and social aspiration. The film also reflected the growing independence of women in the 1920s, with Swanson's character embodying the era's 'new woman' who was ambitious, independent, and unafraid to challenge social conventions.

Making Of

The production of 'Manhandled' took place during a pivotal period in Gloria Swanson's career, as she was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood and had considerable influence over her projects. Director Allan Dwan, known for his technical innovations, employed several camera techniques that were advanced for the time, including tracking shots to follow characters through the elaborate department store sets. The costume department, led by Paramount's renowned design team, created authentic period pieces that reflected the stark contrast between working-class and high society fashion of the 1920s. The film's production design was particularly noted for its recreation of New York's luxury retail environment, with set designers consulting actual department store architects to ensure authenticity. Swanson, who was known for her perfectionism, reportedly rehearsed her comedic timing extensively, particularly for scenes involving the misunderstandings that drive the plot. The chemistry between Swanson and Tom Moore was enhanced by their previous working relationship, having appeared together in earlier productions.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Harold Rosson employed sophisticated techniques for the era, including tracking shots that followed characters through the elaborate department store sets. The visual contrast between the working-class environments and high society settings was emphasized through lighting techniques, with softer, more glamorous lighting used for the society scenes and harsher lighting for the department store. Rosson utilized innovative camera movements to enhance the comedic timing, particularly in scenes involving mistaken identities and social misunderstandings. The film's visual style reflected the glamour of 1920s cinema while maintaining a sense of realism in its depiction of New York locations. The intertitles were designed to match the film's visual aesthetic, featuring elegant typography that complemented the society themes.

Innovations

The film featured impressive set design that recreated elaborate department store interiors with remarkable attention to detail, including working elevators and merchandise displays. The production utilized innovative lighting techniques to create distinct visual atmospheres for different social settings. The costume department created over 30 distinct outfits for Swanson alone, showcasing the technical expertise of 1920s film costume design. The film's editing employed sophisticated cross-cutting techniques to build comedic tension during scenes of mistaken identity. The makeup department developed new techniques for creating the 'society look' that was popular in the 1920s, particularly for the female characters.

Music

As a silent film, 'Manhandled' would have been accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. The typical score would have consisted of popular songs of the era along with classical pieces adapted to fit the mood of various scenes. Theater organists or small orchestras would have created custom accompaniment, using cue sheets provided by the studio to synchronize the music with the on-screen action. The score likely incorporated jazz elements that were popular in 1924, particularly for scenes depicting New York nightlife and society events. Modern restorations of the film have been accompanied by newly composed scores that attempt to recreate the musical atmosphere of the 1920s while using contemporary recording techniques.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Manhandled' for its witty screenplay and Gloria Swanson's engaging performance. The New York Times noted the film's 'charming comedy of manners' and highlighted Swanson's 'delightful portrayal of the ambitious sales clerk.' Variety magazine appreciated the film's 'smart dialogue' and 'well-constructed plot,' calling it 'one of the better society comedies of the season.' Modern film historians have recognized the movie as an important example of 1920s romantic comedy, with particular appreciation for its social commentary and Swanson's performance. The film is often cited in retrospectives of Swanson's career as demonstrating her range beyond the dramatic roles for which she was better known. Contemporary critics have also noted the film's impressive production values and authentic recreation of 1920s New York society.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1924 responded enthusiastically to 'Manhandled,' making it one of Gloria Swanson's more successful films of that year. The film's themes of social mobility and romance resonated strongly with contemporary moviegoers, many of whom were experiencing similar aspirations in the booming economy of the Roaring Twenties. Swanson's popularity as a star undoubtedly contributed to the film's commercial success, with her fans eager to see her in a lighter, more comedic role than some of her dramatic parts. The movie's department store setting was particularly relatable to urban audiences who frequented such establishments. Modern audiences who have seen the film through revival screenings and archive presentations have appreciated its glimpse into 1920s culture and Swanson's charismatic performance. The film's accessibility as a light comedy has helped it maintain appeal to silent film enthusiasts.

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