Spring Fever

Plot

William 'Bill' Kelly is a telephone lineman who gets fired from his job after a mishap with his boss's phone line. When his former employer Mr. Waters discovers Kelly's natural talent for golf, he hires him as a personal instructor to improve his game at an exclusive country club. At the club, Kelly falls for the beautiful Allie Monte, who is already engaged to the wealthy and snobbish Reggie Hamilton. Through a series of comedic golf mishaps and romantic complications, Kelly must use his working-class charm and golfing skills to win Allie's heart and prove that true worth isn't measured by social status. The film culminates in a climactic golf tournament where Kelly faces off against his romantic rival.

Historical Background

1927 was a landmark year in cinema history, marked by the release of 'The Jazz Singer,' the first feature film with synchronized dialogue sequences, which heralded the end of the silent era. 'Spring Fever' was produced and released during this transitional period, representing the peak of silent comedy craftsmanship before the industry's complete conversion to sound. The film reflected the 1920s cultural obsession with sports and leisure activities, particularly golf, which had grown tremendously in popularity following World War I. The Roaring Twenties was also a time of changing social mores, and the film's theme of class differences and romantic aspirations mirrored the era's social mobility and changing attitudes toward romance and courtship. MGM, the producing studio, was at the height of its power under the leadership of Louis B. Mayer, known for its stable of stars and glossy productions.

Making Of

The production of 'Spring Fever' took place during a pivotal time in Hollywood history as the industry was transitioning from silent to sound films. Director Edward Sedgwick, known for his efficiency and ability to work well with actors, brought out natural performances from his cast. William Haines, who was known for his athletic abilities, performed many of his own golf stunts, though professional golf doubles were used for the more technically demanding shots. Joan Crawford, still early in her career, worked closely with the studio's costume designers to create a look that would appeal to audiences and establish her screen persona. The golf sequences required extensive planning and coordination, as the camera technology of the time made it difficult to follow fast-moving action across large outdoor spaces. The film's production team developed innovative camera rigs and tracking shots to capture the golf action more dynamically than was typical for the era.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Ira H. Morgan employed the sophisticated techniques typical of MGM productions in the late 1920s. The golf sequences presented particular challenges, requiring innovative camera movement to follow the action across the expansive golf course terrain. Morgan utilized tracking shots and creative angles to make the golf scenes more dynamic and visually engaging. The film featured the soft focus lighting and careful composition that characterized MGM's house style, creating a polished and glamorous look appropriate for a romantic comedy. The contrast between the outdoor golf scenes and the more intimate interior settings was handled with careful attention to lighting and composition to maintain visual consistency throughout the film.

Innovations

The film's most notable technical achievements were in the filming of the golf sequences, which required innovative camera techniques for the period. The production team developed specialized camera rigs to follow the golf action more smoothly than was typically possible with 1920s equipment. The use of synchronized music and sound effects through the Vitaphone system, while not revolutionary in 1927, represented the studio's commitment to keeping pace with emerging sound technology. The film also demonstrated MGM's high production values in its careful attention to set design, particularly in creating believable golf club environments that would appeal to the increasingly sophisticated movie audiences of the late silent era.

Music

As a silent film, 'Spring Fever' did not have a recorded soundtrack in the modern sense, but it was released with synchronized music and sound effects using the Vitaphone system. The musical score was compiled from popular classical pieces and original compositions designed to enhance the film's romantic and comedic elements. During theatrical screenings, the film would have been accompanied by live musical performances in theaters without Vitaphone equipment. The music choices reflected the sophisticated tastes of MGM audiences and helped establish the appropriate moods for the various scenes, from lively golf action to romantic interludes.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics generally received 'Spring Fever' positively, praising its light entertainment value and the chemistry between the leads. Variety noted that the film 'provides plenty of laughs and romance' and particularly praised William Haines's athletic performance. The Motion Picture News called it 'a delightful comedy with plenty of action' and highlighted Joan Crawford's growing screen presence. Modern critics, when the film has been available for viewing, have noted it as a competent example of late silent comedy, though not among the era's most distinguished works. The film is often discussed in the context of Joan Crawford's early career development and William Haines's stardom before his controversial departure from Hollywood.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 responded well to 'Spring Fever,' finding it an enjoyable and entertaining romantic comedy. The film performed respectably at the box office, benefiting from William Haines's popularity with moviegoers and the growing public interest in Joan Crawford. The golf theme proved particularly appealing to the increasingly sport-conscious American public of the 1920s. Contemporary audience reports suggest that viewers appreciated the film's visual gags and romantic storyline, though it was not considered a blockbuster by MGM standards. The film helped solidify Joan Crawford's fan base and demonstrated her versatility beyond the dramatic roles she would later become known for.

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