One Exciting Night

Plot

Young orphan Agnes Harrington lives with her wealthy adoptive mother who is being blackmailed by an unpleasant older suitor seeking Agnes's hand in marriage. During a lavish party at the mysterious Fairfax mansion, Agnes falls for John Fairfax, a handsome stranger who has inherited the estate. Meanwhile, a gang of bootleggers attempts to retrieve stolen loot they had previously hidden within the mansion's walls, creating a tense atmosphere with shadowy figures lurking in corridors and mysterious faces appearing at windows. When one of the criminals is murdered, Fairfax becomes the prime suspect, leading to a thrilling investigation that combines elements of mystery, horror, and comedy as Agnes works to prove his innocence while navigating her complicated romantic situation.

Historical Background

Released in 1922, 'One Exciting Night' emerged during a transitional period in American cinema and society. The film was produced during Prohibition (1920-1933), which explains the central role of bootleggers in the plot. This era saw the rise of the mystery and horror genres in American cinema, influenced by German expressionist films like 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920). Griffith, once the undisputed king of American cinema, was facing new competition from younger directors and changing audience preferences. The film industry was also consolidating, with United Artists (which distributed this film) having been founded just three years earlier by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith himself. 1922 was also the year that radio broadcasting began to spread across America, presenting new competition for motion pictures.

Making Of

The production of 'One Exciting Night' reflected Griffith's adaptation to changing audience tastes in the early 1920s. He was particularly interested in the mystery genre's growing popularity and sought to create a film that would compete with European imports. The casting of Carol Dempster was controversial even at the time, as many critics felt she lacked the star power of Griffith's earlier leading ladies like Lillian Gish or Mae Marsh. The film's elaborate mansion set was constructed with numerous hidden doors and passages, which required careful choreography for the chase sequences. Griffith experimented with new lighting techniques, using silhouettes and shadows to enhance the mystery elements, influenced by German expressionist cinema. The bootlegger subplot was added to make the film more contemporary and relevant to 1922 audiences experiencing Prohibition firsthand.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Hendrik Sartov and G.W. Bitzer employed innovative techniques for creating atmosphere and suspense. The film made extensive use of chiaroscuro lighting to enhance the mystery and horror elements, with deep shadows and dramatic silhouettes becoming key visual motifs. The mansion interiors were shot with careful attention to depth, using the architecture to create visual tension and opportunities for dramatic reveals. The cinematographers experimented with subjective camera angles during moments of suspense, placing the viewer in the position of someone being watched or followed. Night scenes were originally tinted blue in many prints, a common practice of the era that added to the gothic atmosphere. The film also featured some pioneering use of camera movement to follow characters through the mansion's corridors, creating a sense of unease and pursuit.

Innovations

While not as technically innovative as Griffith's earlier groundbreaking works, 'One Exciting Night' featured several notable technical achievements for its time. The film's elaborate mansion set included working hidden doors and passages, requiring sophisticated set construction and coordination. Griffith and his cinematographers developed new techniques for creating suspense through lighting, using multiple light sources to cast dramatic shadows and silhouettes. The film also featured some early examples of what would become standard horror film techniques, including the use of subjective camera angles to create the feeling of being watched. The production team created special effects for the mysterious appearances and disappearances of characters, using careful editing and camera tricks. The film's successful blending of multiple genres also represented a technical achievement in narrative structure and pacing.

Music

As a silent film, 'One Exciting Night' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical score would have been compiled from classical pieces and popular songs of the era, with music chosen to match the mood of each scene. Dramatic moments would have been accompanied by Wagner or other romantic composers, while suspenseful sequences might have used more dissonant or rhythmic pieces. Some larger theaters might have commissioned original scores from their house composers. The bootlegger scenes likely featured jazz or ragtime elements to reflect the contemporary setting. Unfortunately, no original cue sheets or specific musical instructions for this film have survived, which was common for many productions of this period.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence establishing the mansion's mysterious atmosphere with shadowy figures and strange noises
• The party scene where Agnes first meets Fairfax, combining romance with underlying tension
• The sequence of bootleggers searching the mansion at night, using innovative lighting and camera techniques
• The murder scene and immediate aftermath, creating suspense through visual storytelling
• The final revelation where all mysteries are solved in the mansion's hidden chamber

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics gave 'One Exciting Night' mixed reviews. Many praised Griffith's technical skill and the film's atmospheric qualities, particularly his use of lighting and shadow to create suspense. However, some critics felt the genre combination was uneven and that the film lacked the epic scope and social commentary of Griffith's earlier masterpieces. The New York Times noted that while the film was 'skillfully made,' it was 'not up to the standard we expect from Mr. Griffith.' Modern critics and film historians generally view the film as an interesting but minor work in Griffith's oeuvre, valuable for what it reveals about his attempt to remain relevant in a changing industry. The film is often studied as an example of early American mystery/horror cinema and Griffith's adaptation to new genre trends.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1922 responded moderately well to 'One Exciting Night,' finding it entertaining but not as compelling as Griffith's earlier epics. The mystery elements and suspenseful sequences were particularly well-received by moviegoers who were increasingly drawn to genre films. However, the film didn't generate the same level of public enthusiasm or cultural impact as Griffith's previous works. Some audience members found the genre blending confusing, while others appreciated the variety of tones. The film's performance at the box office was respectable but not spectacular, indicating that while Griffith still had drawing power, he was no longer the guaranteed blockbuster director he had been in the 1910s.

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