Our Modern Maidens

Plot

In this sophisticated romantic comedy, Billie Brown, a vivacious and ambitious young socialite, uses her feminine charms to influence wealthy businessman Glenn Abbott, hoping to secure a diplomatic appointment for her secret fiancé Gil Jordan. As Billie manipulates Glenn for Gil's benefit, she remains oblivious to the growing attraction between Gil and her best friend, the beautiful Kentucky Strafford. The romantic complications escalate when Billie's schemes begin to unravel, forcing all four characters to confront their true feelings and motivations. Set against the backdrop of high society's glamorous but superficial world, the film explores themes of love, ambition, and the price of manipulation. Ultimately, Billie must face the consequences of her actions when both men and her friend reveal their true intentions.

Historical Background

Our Modern Maidens was produced during a pivotal moment in cinema history - the transition from silent films to talkies in 1929. This period, often called the 'talkie revolution,' was causing massive upheaval in Hollywood as studios invested heavily in sound technology and many silent film stars struggled to adapt. The film reflected the changing social mores of the late 1920s, particularly the emergence of the 'flapper' generation and their more liberated attitudes toward relationships and career ambitions. The stock market crash of October 1929 occurred just months after the film's release, marking the end of the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of the Great Depression, which would soon influence the types of films Hollywood produced. The film's focus on wealthy socialites and their romantic entanglements represented the escapist entertainment that audiences craved during these uncertain times.

Making Of

The production of 'Our Modern Maidens' occurred during a tumultuous period in Hollywood as studios scrambled to adapt to sound technology. Director Jack Conway had to navigate the challenges of filming with cumbersome sound equipment while maintaining the visual fluidity of silent cinema. The cast, particularly Joan Crawford, had to undergo voice tests to ensure their voices were suitable for sound pictures. Crawford's distinctive midwestern accent, which would later become one of her trademarks, was initially considered a concern by studio executives. The film's famous party scenes required extensive choreography and were filmed over several days, with the cast having to perform multiple takes due to sound recording difficulties. The romantic chemistry between Crawford and Fairbanks Jr. was so genuine that studio executives encouraged their off-screen relationship, believing it would enhance their on-screen appeal and generate publicity for the film.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by George J. Folsey, reflected the transitional nature of 1929 filmmaking, blending the visual sophistication of late silent cinema with the technical requirements of early sound. The film featured the elegant, high-key lighting typical of MGM productions, with careful attention to the glamorous presentation of its stars. The camera work was more static than in silent films due to the limitations of early sound recording equipment, but Folsey managed to create visually interesting compositions within these constraints. The party sequences utilized multiple lighting setups to create atmosphere, while intimate scenes employed soft focus lighting to enhance the romantic elements. The film's visual style emphasized Art Deco influences in its set designs and framing, reflecting the modern aesthetic of the late 1920s.

Innovations

Our Modern Maidens was notable for its successful integration of sound elements while maintaining the visual sophistication of silent cinema. The film utilized the Movietone sound-on-film system, which represented a significant technical advancement over earlier sound-on-disc methods. The production team developed innovative techniques for recording dialogue while preserving camera mobility, though some scenes still required static positioning due to equipment limitations. The film's sound mixing was particularly advanced for its time, successfully balancing dialogue, music, and sound effects. The technical crew also pioneered methods for reducing microphone noise and echo, challenges that plagued many early sound productions. The film's successful blend of silent and sound techniques demonstrated how Hollywood could gradually transition to talking pictures without sacrificing visual artistry.

Music

The film featured a synchronized musical score composed by William Axt, one of MGM's house composers during the silent and early sound era. The score incorporated popular songs of the period and original compositions that underscored the romantic and dramatic elements of the story. As a part-talkie, the film included synchronized sound effects and a limited amount of dialogue, primarily in key dramatic scenes. The musical numbers during the party sequences were particularly important, as they helped establish the film's sophisticated atmosphere. The soundtrack utilized the Movietone system, which was one of the competing sound technologies of the period. The score was performed by the MGM studio orchestra and reflected the lush, romantic style that would become characteristic of MGM's musical productions throughout the 1930s.

Memorable Scenes

• The elaborate party scene where Billie first attempts to charm Glenn Abbott, featuring Joan Crawford's energetic dancing and sophisticated social maneuvering
• The emotional confrontation scene between Billie and Kentucky when the truth about Gil's feelings is revealed
• The final diplomatic appointment scene where all four characters face the consequences of their actions
• The intimate balcony scene where Billie and Gil discuss their future plans, showcasing the chemistry between Crawford and Fairbanks Jr.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics generally praised the film for its entertainment value and Joan Crawford's performance, with Variety noting her 'vital screen presence' and 'natural acting style.' The New York Times appreciated the film's modern sensibility and sophisticated humor, though some critics felt the plot was somewhat predictable. Modern critics and film historians view the movie as an interesting artifact of its time, valuable for showcasing Crawford's early star power and the transitional nature of early sound cinema. The film is often cited in retrospectives of Crawford's career as an important stepping stone that solidified her status as a leading lady at MGM. While not considered a masterpiece, it's regarded as a well-crafted example of the sophisticated romantic comedies that defined late 1920s Hollywood.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences responded enthusiastically to 'Our Modern Maidens,' particularly Joan Crawford's growing fan base. The film was a commercial success, performing well at the box office and helping to establish Crawford as one of MGM's most valuable young stars. Moviegoers were drawn to the film's glamorous depiction of high society life, its fashionable costumes, and the romantic complications that kept them engaged. The chemistry between the leads, especially Crawford and Fairbanks Jr., resonated with audiences, many of whom followed their real-life romance with great interest. The film's success proved that Crawford could carry a film without the support of established male stars, paving the way for her future leading roles. Contemporary audience letters and fan magazines indicate that viewers particularly enjoyed the party scenes and Crawford's dancing sequences, which became talking points among young filmgoers.

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