Somebody's Widow
Plot
In this charming 1918 romantic comedy, Mary, a young widow, accepts a wager from her circle of friends that she can successfully woo and win the affection of Jack, a struggling writer who has shown no romantic interest in her. Determined to prove her feminine charms and win the bet, Mary employs various comedic schemes and flirtatious tactics to capture Jack's attention, leading to a series of misunderstandings and humorous situations. As her campaign progresses, Mary finds herself genuinely falling for the writer, complicating the original bet and forcing her to confront her true feelings. Jack, initially oblivious to Mary's advances, gradually becomes intrigued by her persistent yet endearing efforts, leading to an unexpected romantic connection that transcends the initial wager. The film culminates in a heartwarming resolution where both characters must decide whether their relationship is based on genuine affection or merely the outcome of a friendly bet.
Director
Scott Sidney
About the Production
Somebody's Widow was produced during the height of Triangle Film Corporation's operations, one of the major studios of the silent era. The film was part of Triangle's strategy to produce light romantic comedies featuring popular stars of the day. Production took place during the transitional period of American cinema when feature-length films were becoming the industry standard, and the studio system was solidifying its dominance in Hollywood.
Historical Background
Somebody's Widow was released in June 1918, during the final months of World War I, a time when American society was undergoing significant transformation. The film industry itself was experiencing rapid changes, with the move from short films to feature-length productions nearly complete and the studio system becoming firmly established. Triangle Film Corporation, though still operational, was already showing signs of the financial troubles that would lead to its bankruptcy the following year. The film's light romantic comedy genre reflected the public's growing appetite for escapist entertainment during wartime, with audiences seeking relief from the grim news coming from Europe. The role of women in society was also evolving, with the suffrage movement gaining momentum and women increasingly entering the workforce, making a film centered on a widowed woman taking romantic initiative particularly relevant to contemporary audiences.
Why This Film Matters
Somebody's Widow represents an important example of the romantic comedy genre's development during the silent era, showcasing the sophisticated storytelling techniques that were emerging in American cinema. The film's focus on a widowed woman as the protagonist pursuing romance challenged traditional gender roles and reflected the changing social dynamics of the post-Victorian era. As a product of Triangle Film Corporation, it exemplifies the studio's contribution to establishing the romantic comedy as a commercially viable genre. The film also demonstrates the star power of Billie Rhodes, who was instrumental in popularizing the spunky, independent female character type that would become a staple of American comedy. While not a groundbreaking masterpiece, Somebody's Widow helped establish narrative conventions and character archetypes that would influence romantic comedies for decades to come.
Making Of
The production of Somebody's Widow took place during a turbulent time for Triangle Film Corporation, which was experiencing financial difficulties despite having produced major hits like D.W. Griffith's Intolerance. The film was shot on Triangle's studio lot in Culver City, California, utilizing the company's extensive facilities and experienced crew. Director Scott Sidney worked closely with star Billie Rhodes to develop her comedic timing and character motivations, as Rhodes was known for her ability to convey humor through subtle facial expressions and body language. The film's romantic scenes were carefully choreographed to meet the strict moral codes of the period, with the Production Code Administration still years away from implementation, but local censorship boards already enforcing their own standards. The relatively short runtime of 50 minutes was typical for romantic comedies of the era, designed to play as part of double bills with longer feature presentations.
Visual Style
The cinematography of Somebody's Widow was handled by Triangle's regular camera department, utilizing the standard equipment and techniques of the late 1910s. The film employed natural lighting for exterior scenes and artificial lighting for interior sets, following the industry's evolving practices. Camera work was relatively static compared to later films, with the camera primarily capturing medium shots and close-ups to emphasize the actors' facial expressions, which were crucial for conveying emotion and comedy in silent cinema. The film's visual style emphasized clarity and readability, ensuring that the romantic and comedic elements would be easily understood by audiences without the benefit of dialogue. Triangle's studio facilities allowed for controlled lighting conditions that enhanced the film's romantic atmosphere, particularly in scenes featuring the two leads.
Innovations
Somebody's Widow did not introduce any major technical innovations but represented the solid technical standards of major studio productions in 1918. The film utilized the latest film stock and processing techniques available to Triangle Film Corporation, ensuring good image quality for the period. The editing followed contemporary practices with relatively quick cuts for comedic sequences and longer takes for romantic moments, helping to establish the pacing conventions of the romantic comedy genre. The film's intertitles, which were crucial for silent film storytelling, were professionally crafted to convey both narrative information and comedic punchlines effectively. Triangle's studio facilities allowed for consistent technical quality across the production, from lighting to camera work to processing, demonstrating the advantages of the emerging studio system in maintaining technical standards.
Music
As a silent film, Somebody's Widow did not have an original synchronized soundtrack, but would have been accompanied by live musical performances during theatrical exhibitions. The typical accompaniment would have consisted of a pianist or small orchestra playing popular songs of the era along with classical pieces appropriate to the film's romantic and comedic moments. Triangle Film Corporation often provided musical cue sheets to theaters, suggesting specific pieces for different scenes to ensure consistent emotional impact across venues. The film's romantic sequences would have been accompanied by sentimental popular songs like those by composers such as Victor Herbert or Irving Berlin, while comedic moments would have featured lighter, more playful musical selections. The lack of surviving documentation makes it impossible to know the exact musical selections used for the film's original run.
Did You Know?
- Triangle Film Corporation, the production company behind this film, was founded by Harry Aitken and was one of the first vertically integrated film studios in Hollywood
- Billie Rhodes, who plays the lead role of Mary, was one of the most popular comediennes of the late 1910s, known for her energetic performances and expressive face
- Director Scott Sidney was a prolific filmmaker who directed over 150 films between 1915 and 1932, though many of his early works are now considered lost
- The film was released just a few months before the end of World War I, during a period when audiences were increasingly seeking escapist entertainment
- Cullen Landis, who plays Jack, would later become a successful leading man in the 1920s but eventually transitioned to a career behind the camera as a sound technician
- Billy Bevan, who appears in a supporting role, would go on to become one of the most recognizable character actors in Hollywood comedies, appearing in over 200 films
- The film's title 'Somebody's Widow' reflects the common practice of the era to use intriguing, slightly scandalous titles to attract audiences
- Triangle Film Corporation went bankrupt just a year after this film's release, making it part of the studio's final productions before its collapse
What Critics Said
Contemporary critical reception of Somebody's Widow was generally positive, with trade publications like Variety and Motion Picture News praising Billie Rhodes's comedic performance and the film's lighthearted entertainment value. Critics noted the film's brisk pacing and effective use of romantic misunderstandings as comedic devices. The Motion Picture World particularly commended the chemistry between Rhodes and Cullen Landis, suggesting that their on-screen pairing had potential for future collaborations. However, some reviewers felt the plot followed familiar romantic comedy conventions too closely, with The Exhibitor's Herald noting that while enjoyable, the film didn't break new ground in terms of storytelling. Modern critical assessment is limited due to the film's current preservation status, but film historians who have studied surviving stills and production materials consider it representative of the quality romantic comedies being produced by major studios during this period.
What Audiences Thought
Audience reception to Somebody's Widow was reportedly positive during its theatrical run, with the film performing well in urban markets where romantic comedies were particularly popular. Contemporary theater reports indicated that audiences responded enthusiastically to Billie Rhodes's comedic timing and the film's charming romantic elements. The film's relatively short runtime made it ideal for double bills, and it was often paired with longer dramatic features to provide audiences with a balanced entertainment experience. Audience feedback collected by Triangle Film Corporation suggested that viewers particularly enjoyed the film's witty intertitles and the physical comedy sequences involving Rhodes's attempts to win over the writer character. However, the film's release during the summer months, when movie attendance was typically lower, may have limited its overall box office performance compared to similar releases during peak seasons.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Other Triangle Film Corporation romantic comedies
- The stage comedy tradition of mistaken identities
- Contemporary popular romance novels
- Earlier silent film comedies featuring strong female leads
This Film Influenced
- Later romantic comedies featuring bets as plot devices
- Films with widowed protagonists seeking new love
- Triangle's subsequent romantic comedy productions