Smilin' Through

Plot

Set in the Irish countryside, 'Smilin' Through' tells the haunting story of John Carteret, a man forever scarred by the murder of his beloved Moonyean on their wedding day by her jealous suitor. Decades later, John serves as guardian to Moonyean's niece Kathleen, who bears a striking resemblance to her aunt. When Kathleen falls in love with Kenneth Wayne, the son of Moonyean's murderer, John's old wounds reopen and he forbids their union. Through supernatural intervention and the enduring power of love, Moonyean's spirit returns to help John overcome his bitterness and allow the young couple to find happiness, breaking the cycle of hatred that has plagued their families.

Historical Background

Released in 1922, 'Smilin' Through' emerged during the golden age of silent cinema, a period when film was establishing itself as America's dominant entertainment medium. The early 1920s saw Hollywood studios perfecting the art of cinematic storytelling without dialogue, relying on visual composition, expressive acting, and musical accompaniment. This was also a time of transition in the film industry, with New York still maintaining significant production facilities alongside the growing dominance of Hollywood studios. The film's themes of post-war healing and reconciliation resonated with audiences still processing the aftermath of World War I. Additionally, 1922 was a year of significant technical advancement in cinema, with improvements in lighting, camera mobility, and special effects that made supernatural stories like this increasingly convincing to audiences.

Making Of

The production of 'Smilin' Through' was a major undertaking for Norma Talmadge Productions, requiring careful planning to handle the dual role and supernatural elements. Sidney Franklin, who would later direct sound classics like 'The Good Earth,' worked closely with cinematographer David Abel to achieve the ghostly effects through innovative use of double exposure and matte photography. Talmadge prepared extensively for her dual role, studying the differences in posture, movement, and demeanor between the innocent young Kathleen and the ethereal, tragic Moonyean. The film's success was particularly gratifying for Talmadge as she had fought to acquire the film rights to the popular stage play, competing with several major studios. The production team spent weeks creating the Irish cottage sets and countryside scenes, with special attention to period accuracy in costumes and props to maintain the story's turn-of-the-century setting.

Visual Style

The cinematography by David Abel was considered groundbreaking for its time, particularly in the execution of the supernatural sequences. Abel employed innovative double exposure techniques to create the ghostly appearances of Moonyean, carefully balancing the exposure to make the spectral figure seem ethereal yet present. The Irish countryside scenes were shot using soft focus techniques and filtered lighting to create a romantic, dreamlike atmosphere that contrasted with the more starkly lit interior scenes. The film utilized extensive use of iris shots and vignettes to focus audience attention on emotional moments, a common but effective technique of the silent era. Abel's work in lighting Talmadge for her dual role was particularly noteworthy, using different lighting schemes to visually distinguish between the living Kathleen and the ghostly Moonyean. The cinematography also featured sophisticated tracking shots and camera movements that were ambitious for 1922, helping to create a sense of fluidity and cinematic grace.

Innovations

The film's most significant technical achievement was its sophisticated use of double exposure photography to create the ghost sequences. The special effects team developed new techniques for combining live action with supernatural elements that were more convincing than previous attempts. The makeup department created innovative solutions for Talmadge's dual role, developing different makeup styles that would read clearly on black and white film while maintaining natural appearance. The production design team constructed elaborate sets that could be quickly modified to represent different time periods, allowing for smooth transitions between past and present sequences. The film also featured advanced lighting techniques for the era, using newly developed electrical lighting equipment to create mood and atmosphere with greater precision than gaslight or earlier electrical systems. These technical innovations contributed significantly to the film's critical and commercial success.

Music

As a silent film, 'Smilin' Through' was accompanied by live musical performances during its theatrical run. The score was compiled from various classical pieces and popular songs of the era, with the title song 'Smilin' Through' by Arthur Penn being prominently featured. Theatres received detailed cue sheets suggesting appropriate musical selections for each scene, with romantic passages for the love scenes, dramatic music for conflicts, and ethereal compositions for supernatural moments. Some larger theaters employed full orchestras, while smaller venues used piano or organ accompaniment. The music was crucial in conveying the emotional depth of the story, particularly in scenes where the supernatural elements required musical guidance to establish the otherworldly atmosphere. The film's success helped popularize the title song, which became a standard recorded by numerous artists in the 1920s and 1930s.

Memorable Scenes

• The ghostly appearance of Moonyean at Kathleen's wedding, achieved through innovative double exposure photography that created a stunning visual effect for 1922 audiences. The scene features Moonyean's translucent figure intervening to prevent history from repeating itself, with Talmadge playing both the spectral aunt and her living niece in the same frame.
• The opening sequence showing Moonyean's murder on her wedding day, which sets the tragic foundation for the entire story. This scene features dramatic lighting and emotional performances that establish the film's gothic romantic tone.
• The final confrontation between John Carteret and Kenneth Wayne, where decades of hatred and prejudice finally give way to understanding and forgiveness, accompanied by Moonyean's approving spirit watching over them.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Smilin' Through' as one of Norma Talmadge's finest achievements, with particular acclaim for her handling of the dual role. The New York Times called it 'a picture of rare beauty and emotional power,' while Variety noted that 'Miss Talmadge has never been better than in her portrayal of the two characters.' Critics were impressed by the technical achievements in creating the supernatural sequences, which they found convincing and artistically rendered rather than cheap or gimmicky. Modern film historians have reassessed the movie as an important example of the sophisticated storytelling possible in silent cinema, with its nuanced exploration of grief, redemption, and the persistence of love beyond death. The film is often cited in scholarly works about the transition from stage to screen and the evolution of cinematic special effects.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1922 embraced 'Smilin' Through' with enormous enthusiasm, making it one of the biggest box office hits of the year. The emotional story resonated strongly with post-WWI audiences who were drawn to tales of love, loss, and spiritual connection. Many viewers reported being deeply moved by the supernatural elements and the film's message about overcoming bitterness and hatred. The film's success was particularly notable for drawing both male and female audiences, as it combined romantic elements with dramatic tension and supernatural intrigue. Contemporary accounts describe packed theaters and standing ovations, with many patrons returning for multiple viewings. The movie's popularity extended beyond major cities to smaller towns across America, demonstrating the broad appeal of its universal themes. Audience word-of-mouth was so positive that the film remained in theaters for months longer than the typical silent feature run.

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