Millie

Plot

Millie Blake is a naive young woman who marries Jack Maitland, a charming but unfaithful man. After discovering his infidelity on their wedding night, Millie leaves him and moves to New York City where she embraces her independence, working as a model and becoming a sophisticated woman. Years later, Millie's daughter Connie grows into a beautiful young woman who attracts the attention of Tommy Rock, a wealthy young man who was once romantically interested in Millie herself. As Millie struggles with the prospect of her daughter marrying a man she once loved, she must confront her own past decisions and the consequences of her independence. The film explores themes of female autonomy, generational relationships, and the changing social mores of the early 1930s, culminating in Millie's realization that true happiness comes from accepting both her past and present.

Historical Background

Millie was produced in 1931, during the depths of the Great Depression, a time when audiences were seeking both escapist entertainment and films that reflected their own struggles. The early 1930s were also a transitional period in Hollywood, as the industry fully embraced sound technology and experimented with new storytelling possibilities. The pre-Code era (1930-1934) allowed filmmakers to explore adult themes that would later be censored, including divorce, infidelity, and female sexuality. The film's focus on a woman's independence and career aspirations reflected the changing role of women in American society, many of whom had entered the workforce during the 1920s and were reluctant to return to domestic roles. The stock market crash of 1929 and its aftermath made stories of personal resilience and self-reliance particularly resonant with audiences struggling with economic hardship.

Making Of

The production of Millie took place during a transitional period in Hollywood, as studios were adapting to sound technology while still developing the visual language of talkies. Helen Twelvetrees, who had been a major star in silent films, had to adjust her acting style for the new medium. The film's frank treatment of divorce and female sexuality was made possible by the relatively lax censorship of the pre-Code era. On set, there were reportedly tensions between Twelvetrees and Lilyan Tashman, as both were competing for screen time and recognition. Director John Francis Dillon worked closely with the writers to adapt the controversial source novel while maintaining enough of its edge to attract audiences. The film's success surprised studio executives, who had been unsure about the commercial viability of such a mature-themed drama.

Visual Style

The cinematography of Millie reflects the transitional period of early sound films, where camera movement was somewhat limited by the need to accommodate microphone placement. However, the film makes effective use of close-ups to capture the emotional states of its characters, particularly Helen Twelvetrees' expressive performance. The lighting techniques employed help create a mood that shifts between the glamorous world of New York society and the more intimate moments of personal revelation. The visual style incorporates elements of Art Deco design in the sets and costumes, reflecting the modern sensibility of the story. While not technically innovative compared to some other films of the period, the cinematography effectively supports the narrative and character development.

Innovations

Millie represents the technical state of early sound filmmaking in 1931, utilizing the then-standard sound-on-disc technology that RKO was employing at the time. The film demonstrates the industry's ongoing efforts to solve the technical challenges of combining visual storytelling with recorded dialogue. While not groundbreaking in its technical aspects, the film successfully navigates the limitations of early sound equipment, maintaining good audio quality throughout. The production employed multiple camera setups to overcome the mobility restrictions imposed by early sound recording, a technique that was becoming standard practice in the industry. The film's successful integration of sound elements with visual storytelling contributed to the gradual refinement of film language during this transitional period.

Music

As an early sound film, Millie utilized the new technology primarily for dialogue rather than musical elements. The film's score was typical of early talkies, consisting mainly of background music that underscored emotional moments without drawing attention to itself. The sound quality reflects the limitations of early recording equipment, with some scenes featuring the slightly hollow acoustics common in films of this period. The soundtrack does include some diegetic music during social scenes, reflecting the popular songs of the early 1930s. The film's sound design effectively captures the contrast between the bustling New York settings and the more intimate personal moments, helping to establish the emotional tone of each scene.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening wedding night scene where Millie discovers her husband's infidelity, setting the stage for her journey toward independence
• Millie's transformation sequence as she embraces her new life in New York, showcasing her evolution from naive wife to sophisticated career woman
• The emotional confrontation between Millie and her daughter Connie when they realize they're both interested in the same man
• The final scene where Millie makes peace with her past and accepts her daughter's choice, demonstrating her growth and maturity

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised Helen Twelvetrees' performance in Millie, with many noting her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. The New York Times review highlighted the film's 'frank treatment of modern problems' and commended its departure from conventional romantic formulas. Variety praised the film's 'adult handling of delicate situations' and noted that it avoided becoming preachy despite its serious themes. Modern critics have rediscovered Millie as an important example of pre-Code cinema, with film historians often citing it as a significant work in the career of Helen Twelvetrees. The film is now appreciated for its progressive attitudes toward women's independence and its willingness to tackle controversial subjects that would soon be forbidden by the Production Code.

What Audiences Thought

Millie was a moderate commercial success upon its release, particularly appealing to female audiences who related to its themes of independence and self-reliance. The film's frank treatment of divorce and sexuality generated both controversy and curiosity, helping to drive ticket sales. Contemporary audience reports suggest that viewers were particularly drawn to Helen Twelvetrees' emotional performance and the film's realistic portrayal of modern relationships. The movie developed a cult following among pre-Code film enthusiasts in later decades, with many considering it one of Twelvetrees' most memorable performances. Modern audiences who discover the film often express surprise at its progressive themes and sophisticated handling of complex adult relationships, especially given its early 1930s production date.

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