Spite Marriage

Plot

Elmer Gantry, a humble dry cleaner with an obsessive crush on Broadway actress Trilby Drew, gets the surprise of his life when she proposes marriage. Unbeknownst to him, Trilby is only using him to make her co-star and lover Lionel Benmore jealous after he rejected her proposal. After a disastrous wedding night where Elmer accidentally sets fire to their hotel room, Trilby abandons him and continues her pursuit of Lionel. When Elmer tries to win her back by joining the theater company, his incompetence leads to chaos during a performance. The situation culminates on a ship voyage where Elmer must overcome his timid nature to save Trilby during a storm, ultimately proving his worth and winning her genuine affection.

Historical Background

Released in May 1929, 'Spite Marriage' emerged during one of cinema's most transformative periods. The film industry was in the midst of the sound revolution, with 'The Jazz Singer' having already demonstrated the commercial viability of talkies two years earlier. By 1929, most major studios were phasing out silent production, making 'Spite Marriage' something of an anachronism despite its contemporary release. The Great Depression was just months away, which would dramatically affect the entertainment industry. MGM, under the leadership of Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg, was establishing itself as Hollywood's most prestigious studio, known for its glossy productions and tight control over talent. This film represents the end of an era not just for Keaton, but for silent comedy as an art form.

Making Of

The production of 'Spite Marriage' was marked by tension between Keaton and MGM executives. Keaton, who had previously enjoyed complete creative autonomy, found himself subject to studio interference for the first time. MGM executives, particularly producer Irving Thalberg, wanted to mold Keaton into a more conventional leading man rather than allowing his unique comedic style to flourish. The shipwreck sequence was the most challenging part of production, requiring the construction of a massive water tank and complex rigging systems. Keaton insisted on performing many of his own stunts despite safety concerns. The relationship between Keaton and co-star Dorothy Sebastian was volatile during filming, as their real-life romance was deteriorating. The film's post-production was rushed to capitalize on the public's continued interest in silent films before talkies completely dominated the market.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Leonard Smith reflects MGM's polished approach to filmmaking, with more conventional framing and lighting compared to Keaton's earlier experimental visual style. The film employs standard three-point lighting typical of studio productions of the era. The theater sequences use wide shots to capture the elaborate stage sets, while the shipwreck scenes feature dramatic low angles to emphasize the chaos and danger. The camera work is more static than in Keaton's independent films, where he often used innovative camera movements and perspectives. Despite these constraints, Smith's cinematography effectively captures the scale of MGM's production values, particularly in the elaborate ship set and theater sequences.

Innovations

The most notable technical achievement in 'Spite Marriage' was the elaborate shipwreck sequence, which featured state-of-the-art special effects for 1929. The production team built a massive water tank at MGM studios and constructed a detailed ship set that could be tilted and rocked to simulate storm conditions. The sequence involved complex hydraulic systems, wind machines, and wave-making equipment. The film also demonstrated advanced techniques in synchronized sound, with carefully timed sound effects complementing the visual comedy. The theater sets were particularly impressive, featuring working stage machinery and accurate recreations of Broadway theater architecture. While not as technically innovative as Keaton's independent films, 'Spite Marriage' showcased MGM's considerable technical resources and production capabilities.

Music

The film featured a synchronized musical score and sound effects composed by William Axt, one of MGM's house composers. The score included popular songs of the era and original pieces designed to enhance the comedic timing. Sound effects were carefully coordinated with the visual gags, including crashes, splashes, and exaggerated noises for slapstick moments. The music was recorded using the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system, which was common for early sound films. While the film contained no dialogue, the musical accompaniment and sound effects represented MGM's commitment to keeping up with the latest technology. The score has been reconstructed for modern screenings, with some original elements preserved in archives.

Memorable Scenes

• The chaotic wedding night sequence where Elmer accidentally sets fire to their hotel room while trying to be romantic, culminating in him hanging from the window ledge. The disastrous theater performance where Elmer, trying to impress Trilby, completely ruins the play through his incompetence. The spectacular shipwreck sequence where the timid Elmer transforms into a hero, navigating the sinking ship and saving Trilby from drowning. The final scene where Elmer, having proven his worth, finally wins Trilby's genuine affection.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics were divided on 'Spite Marriage'. Many praised Keaton's physical comedy and stunt work but noted that the film lacked the brilliance of his earlier independent productions. The New York Times acknowledged Keaton's talent but suggested the material didn't fully showcase his abilities. Variety noted that while the film had its moments, it felt like a step backward for the comedian. Modern critics and film historians view 'Spite Marriage' with more sympathy, recognizing it as the product of difficult circumstances. Many now appreciate it as a competent comedy that, while not matching Keaton's masterpieces like 'The General' or 'Steamboat Bill, Jr.', still contains moments of genius. The film is often analyzed as a case study in how studio interference could compromise an artist's vision.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1929 responded moderately well to 'Spite Marriage', though it didn't achieve the success of Keaton's earlier films. The movie earned approximately $1.1 million domestically, which was considered respectable but not spectacular for a major MGM release. Many Keaton fans noticed the difference in quality compared to his independent work, though general audiences unfamiliar with his earlier films enjoyed the comedy. The timing of the release was challenging, as public interest was rapidly shifting toward talkies. Modern audiences who discover the film often appreciate it as a lesser but still entertaining work in Keaton's filmography, with particular praise for the shipwreck sequence and Keaton's physical comedy.

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