Secrets

Plot

An elderly woman, Mary (Norma Talmadge), rediscovers her diary and is transported back through memory to her youth in England. Against her wealthy parents' wishes, she married John (Eugene O'Brien), a man they disapproved of, and followed him to the Wyoming frontier where they faced incredible hardships including starvation, brutal winters, and devastating Indian attacks that claimed the life of their infant child. Despite these trials, they eventually built a successful ranch, but their happiness was shattered when John became involved with another woman, leading to decades of estrangement. Now, forty years later, as John lies on his deathbed, Mary must decide whether to finally forgive him and reveal the secrets she has kept hidden for a lifetime.

Historical Background

Released in 1924, 'Secrets' emerged during the golden age of silent cinema and reflected post-WWI American society's fascination with frontier narratives and moral complexity. The film's exploration of marital discord and long-term forgiveness resonated with audiences navigating changing social mores and the increasing acceptance of divorce in the 1920s. The period saw women gaining more independence both on and off screen, with stars like Norma Talmadge running their own production companies. The film's frontier setting tapped into America's romanticized view of westward expansion while also acknowledging its harsh realities. This was also a time when cinema was establishing itself as a serious art form capable of handling complex emotional themes and mature subject matter.

Making Of

The production was a significant undertaking for Norma Talmadge's production company, requiring extensive location photography and elaborate period sets. Director Frank Borzage, known for his sensitive handling of emotional dramas, worked closely with Talmadge to develop the character's emotional journey across four decades. The film's structure, with its extended flashback sequence, was innovative for its time. The Wyoming frontier scenes were particularly challenging to film, requiring the cast and crew to work in difficult conditions to achieve authenticity. Talmadge, who was known for her meticulous preparation, studied frontier life and diaries from the period to inform her performance. The film's theme of marital strife and reconciliation resonated with audiences dealing with post-WWI social changes and evolving attitudes toward marriage and divorce.

Visual Style

The cinematography, credited to Tony Gaudio and James Wong Howe (early in his career), employed sophisticated techniques for its time, including dramatic lighting to distinguish between the present and flashback sequences. The Wyoming frontier scenes utilized natural lighting and wide shots to convey the vastness and harshness of the landscape. The film used soft focus techniques for emotional moments and close-ups, particularly effective in capturing Norma Talmadge's nuanced performance. The contrast between the refined English settings and the rugged frontier locations was emphasized through visual composition and lighting choices. The cinematography successfully supported the film's emotional arc, moving from the warm glow of youth to the harsh shadows of hardship and eventually to the soft light of reconciliation.

Innovations

The film's innovative use of extended flashback sequences was technically advanced for its time, requiring careful continuity and visual distinction between time periods. The production employed sophisticated makeup techniques to age the characters across four decades, which was particularly challenging for close-ups in silent cinema. The frontier sequences utilized location shooting combined with studio sets to create convincing western landscapes. The film's editing, particularly in the transition between present and past, demonstrated advanced narrative techniques for the era. The preservation of the film itself represents a technical achievement, as many silent films from this period have been lost.

Music

As a silent film, 'Secrets' would have been accompanied by live musical performances in theaters during its original release. The score likely consisted of classical pieces and popular songs of the era, selected to enhance the emotional impact of key scenes. No original score survives, but modern screenings typically feature newly composed scores or period-appropriate classical music. The film's emotional depth would have been enhanced through careful musical selection, with different themes for the various time periods and emotional states of the characters. The absence of dialogue heightened the importance of musical accompaniment in conveying the film's complex emotional journey.

Memorable Scenes

• The emotional deathbed scene where Mary finally confronts John after forty years of silence
• The devastating Indian attack sequence that results in their baby's death
• The tender flashback to their wedding in England despite parental opposition
• The harsh winter scene where the couple nearly starves on the frontier
• The moment Mary discovers John's infidelity, leading to decades of estrangement

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Secrets' for its emotional depth and Norma Talmadge's performance, with Variety noting her 'powerful and touching portrayal of a woman who endures through decades of hardship and betrayal.' The New York Times highlighted the film's 'unusual sincerity and emotional honesty' while commending Frank Borzage's direction for its sensitivity. Modern critics, when the film became available through preservation efforts, have recognized it as an important example of Borzage's early work and Talmadge's dramatic capabilities. The film is now appreciated for its mature themes and innovative narrative structure, though some reviewers note that certain elements reflect the melodramatic conventions of its era.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by audiences in 1924, particularly drawing female viewers who connected with its themes of enduring love and marital forgiveness. Contemporary reports indicate that the film's emotional climax generated strong audience responses in theaters. The movie performed solidly at the box office, though it didn't achieve the blockbuster status of some of Talmadge's other productions. Modern audiences who have seen the film through revival screenings or preservation releases often comment on its surprisingly contemporary themes and the power of its silent storytelling. The film's rediscovery has been welcomed by silent film enthusiasts who appreciate its place in the careers of both Talmadge and Borzage.

You Might Also Like