That Certain Thing

Plot

Molly Kelly, a determined young woman with ambitious dreams, sets her sights on marrying into wealth and successfully snags Andy Charles, the heir to a fortune. Their marriage begins smoothly until Andy's wealthy father disinherits him upon discovering the marriage, leaving the couple penniless. Forced to confront reality, Andy takes a job as a ditch digger while Molly must adjust to life without luxury. Through their struggles and hardships, the couple discovers that genuine love and character matter more than material wealth. Their journey from riches to rags ultimately tests their relationship and reveals their true values, leading to a deeper understanding of what really matters in life.

Historical Background

1928 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the end of the silent film era and the beginning of the sound revolution. The Jazz Singer had been released in 1927, and studios were rapidly converting to sound production. 'That Certain Thing' was released during this transitional period, representing one of the last significant silent romantic comedies. The year also saw the introduction of the Academy Awards, though this film was not among those recognized. Economically, 1928 was a year of prosperity just before the Great Depression, and films about wealth and class were particularly relevant to audiences. The film's themes of finding value beyond material wealth would become especially poignant in the coming economic collapse.

Making Of

Frank Capra was still developing his directorial style when he made 'That Certain Thing,' working under the demanding studio head Harry Cohn at Columbia Pictures. The production was typical of the studio's approach in the late 1920s - efficient and budget-conscious. Viola Dana, though past her peak popularity, brought star power to the production. Capra reportedly worked closely with his actors to develop naturalistic performances, a technique that would become his trademark. The film was shot quickly, likely in just a few weeks, as was common for Columbia productions of this era. The transition to sound was already underway in Hollywood, which may have influenced the film's modest scale and release timing.

Visual Style

The cinematography was handled by Ira H. Morgan, a veteran cameraman who worked extensively at Columbia Pictures. The film employed standard silent era techniques with static camera positions and occasional tracking shots. The visual style emphasized clarity and readability, important for conveying story without dialogue. The ditch digging sequences likely used wider shots to establish the harsh working conditions, while intimate scenes between the leads used closer shots to emphasize emotional connection. The lighting followed conventional patterns of the period, with high-key lighting for romantic scenes and more dramatic lighting for conflict moments.

Innovations

The film employed standard silent film technology of the late 1920s, using 35mm film with an aspect ratio of approximately 1.33:1. No significant technical innovations were introduced in this production, which was characteristic of Columbia Pictures' practical approach to filmmaking. The film may have utilized some location shooting mixed with studio sets, a common practice of the period. The editing followed continuity principles established by the late 1920s, with smooth transitions between scenes. As the transition to sound was underway, this film represents the culmination of silent film techniques just before they would become obsolete.

Music

As a silent film, 'That Certain Thing' would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The score would have been compiled from standard photoplay music libraries, with selections matched to the mood of each scene. Typical romantic comedies of the period featured popular songs of the day, classical pieces, and mood music specifically composed for film accompaniment. The music would have emphasized the romantic elements during love scenes and provided comedic underscoring for lighter moments. No original composed score was created specifically for this film, which was standard practice for Columbia Pictures productions of this budget level.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Molly strategically positions herself to meet the wealthy heir
• The confrontation scene where the father disinherits his son
• The montage showing Andy's struggles as a ditch digger
• The emotional climax where Molly realizes she truly loves Andy despite their poverty
• The final scene suggesting their future together based on genuine affection rather than wealth

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews were generally positive but not enthusiastic, typical of Columbia Pictures releases of the period. The New York Times noted the film's 'pleasant entertainment value' while criticizing its conventional plot elements. Modern critics have rarely had the opportunity to review the film due to its limited availability, but film historians recognize it as an important early Capra work that shows the development of his directorial voice. Those who have seen it note the emerging Capra themes of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances and finding strength in character rather than wealth.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception in 1928 appears to have been modest, with the film performing adequately but not spectacularly at the box office. The film's themes of wealth and class resonated with audiences during the prosperous late 1920s, though it didn't generate the excitement of bigger studio productions. As one of Viola Dana's later films, it likely attracted her remaining fan base while introducing audiences to Ralph Graves, who would become a more familiar face in subsequent years. The film's straightforward romance and comedy elements would have appealed to mainstream audiences seeking light entertainment during the cinema's transition to sound.

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