Our Dancing Daughters

Plot

Diana 'Di' Medford is a wild, energetic flapper who loves to party and dance the night away, but despite her reputation, she maintains her personal virtue and integrity. Her best friend Ann appears sweet and innocent but is secretly manipulative and materialistic. When wealthy Ben Blaine enters their social circle, both women compete for his affection, with Ann pretending to be virtuous while scheming to win Ben's fortune. Diana genuinely falls for Ben, but Ann's deception leads to heartbreak and betrayal. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation where true character is revealed, and Diana's authenticity ultimately triumphs over Ann's superficial charm.

Historical Background

Released during the peak of the Roaring Twenties, 'Our Dancing Daughters' captured the essence of an era defined by economic prosperity, social liberation, and cultural revolution. The film emerged just months before the 1929 stock market crash that would end the Jazz Age and plunge America into the Great Depression. It reflected the changing roles of women in society, particularly the 'New Woman' who embraced independence, sexual freedom, and public social life. The film's production at MGM coincided with the studio's golden age, when it was the most powerful and prestigious film factory in Hollywood. This was also a transitional period in cinema, as the industry was shifting from silent films to 'talkies,' making this one of the last major silent productions to achieve blockbuster status.

Making Of

Director Harry Beaumont was known for his ability to capture the energy of the Jazz Age, and he pushed for authentic party atmospheres in the film. Joan Crawford, then relatively unknown, fought for the role and impressed MGM executives with her dancing ability during her audition. The production was marked by intense competition between Crawford and co-star Anita Page, both on-screen and off, as they vied for studio attention. The elaborate party sequences required hundreds of extras and were filmed over several days, with real jazz bands playing live to create authentic atmosphere. MGM's costume department created revolutionary designs for the film, particularly for Crawford, that defined flapper fashion for years. The film's success was so unexpected that MGM immediately began planning sequels before its theatrical run had even completed.

Visual Style

George Barnes's cinematography employed innovative camera techniques to capture the frenetic energy of the dance sequences, including dynamic tracking shots and unusual angles that emphasized movement. The film utilized extensive lighting effects to create the glamorous atmosphere of high society parties, with elaborate use of reflections and shadows to enhance the Art Deco settings. Barnes employed soft focus techniques for romantic scenes while using sharper focus for dramatic moments, creating visual contrast that guided audience emotions. The cinematography also featured innovative use of multiple exposures for dream sequences and party montages, pushing the boundaries of silent film visual storytelling.

Innovations

The film featured innovative use of montage sequences to compress time and create rhythmic visual effects during dance numbers. MGM's special effects department developed new techniques for creating the illusion of crowded party scenes using multiple exposures and mirror shots. The production utilized some of the first mobile camera cranes for sweeping shots of dance floors, allowing for more dynamic movement than static cameras of earlier silent films. The film's editing, particularly in the dance sequences, employed rapid cutting techniques that influenced later musical films. The Art Deco set designs incorporated new construction materials and lighting techniques that would become standard in Hollywood productions.

Music

As a silent film, 'Our Dancing Daughters' featured a compiled musical score that varied by theater, typically including popular jazz standards of the era like 'Charleston' and 'Black Bottom.' Larger theaters employed full orchestras while smaller venues used piano or organ accompaniment. The film's success led to the publication of official sheet music for its original compositions, particularly 'Our Dancing Daughters Waltz.' The soundtrack emphasized jazz rhythms to match the on-screen dancing, with syncopated beats that enhanced the film's modern feel. Some deluxe presentations included sound effects using early Vitaphone technology, though the film itself remained silent.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening Charleston sequence where Joan Crawford first displays her electrifying dance style in a lavish party setting, establishing her character as the quintessential flapper.
• The dramatic confrontation scene between Crawford and Anita Page in the luxurious penthouse apartment, where true natures are revealed and friendships are tested.
• The midnight swimming pool scene where Crawford dives into the water fully clothed in a moment of emotional rebellion and freedom.
• The final wedding scene where justice prevails and true love triumphs over deception, providing a satisfying moral conclusion.
• The montage of party scenes showcasing the excess and energy of Jazz Age nightlife, with elaborate costumes and synchronized dancing.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its energetic performances, authentic depiction of youth culture, and Joan Crawford's breakout performance. The New York Times called it 'a vivid and entertaining picture of modern youth' while Variety noted Crawford's 'electric screen presence.' Modern critics have reevaluated the film as an important cultural document of the Jazz Age, with particular appreciation for its Art Deco aesthetics and Crawford's star-making performance. The film is often cited as a prime example of late silent cinema at its most sophisticated, demonstrating how the medium had evolved in terms of visual storytelling and performance style. Film historians consider it one of the most significant films of 1928 for its cultural impact and role in launching a major star.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a massive box office success, earning over $1.2 million domestically and making Joan Crawford an overnight sensation. Young audiences particularly embraced the film's portrayal of their generation's lifestyle, while older viewers found it both shocking and fascinating. The dance sequences became so popular that theaters reported audiences dancing in the aisles during screenings. The film's popularity extended beyond traditional moviegoers, with society columns and fashion magazines extensively covering its influence on style and behavior. Word-of-mouth was overwhelmingly positive, and the film ran for months in many cities, an unusually long engagement for the time. Its success led to sold-out Crawford personal appearances and made her one of the most requested stars for fan mail at MGM.

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