The Average Woman
Plot
Reporter Jimmy Munroe is tasked with writing an article about 'the average woman' for his newspaper. While researching at the library, he encounters Sally Whipple and decides she perfectly represents his subject. Jimmy begins following Sally to observe her daily life and gather material for his story, but soon finds himself genuinely falling in love with her. Sally's father, the stern Judge Whipple, disapproves of Jimmy's intrusive behavior and has him arrested, only allowing him to see Sally once a week under supervision. Meanwhile, the unscrupulous businessman Van Alten pursues Sally, attempting to blackmail her into marriage by threatening to reveal compromising letters that would embarrass her father. Jimmy must prove his sincerity while protecting Sally from Van Alten's schemes, ultimately demonstrating that there's nothing 'average' about true love.
About the Production
The Average Woman was produced during the transition period of Hollywood studios establishing their identities. Director Christy Cabanne was a prolific filmmaker who had worked with D.W. Griffith early in his career. The film was shot on standard 35mm film with typical silent era production techniques. As with many films of this period, the production moved quickly with typical shooting schedules of 2-3 weeks for a feature of this length.
Historical Background
The Average Woman was released in 1924, during the peak of the silent film era and a period of significant social change in America. The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, saw women gaining more independence and the 'New Woman' emerging in popular culture. This film's exploration of what constitutes an 'average woman' reflects contemporary sociological interests and the era's fascination with categorizing and studying different segments of society. The film also emerged during Hollywood's transformation from a decentralized production system to the studio system that would dominate the 1930s. The Producers Distributing Corporation, which produced the film, was part of this evolving industry structure. 1924 was also a year of significant technological advancement in cinema, with studios experimenting with new lighting techniques, camera movements, and editing styles that would influence the transition to sound films later in the decade.
Why This Film Matters
The Average Woman reflects the 1920s cultural fascination with sociology and the scientific study of human behavior. The film's premise of a journalist systematically researching and categorizing 'the average woman' mirrors the period's interest in social science and the quantification of human experience. This approach to character development also speaks to the era's changing attitudes toward women, as society grappled with the implications of women's suffrage (granted in 1920) and women's increasingly visible roles in public life. The film's romantic plot, while conventional, touches on themes of privacy, media intrusion, and the objectification of women that remain relevant today. As a product of the silent era, it represents the sophisticated visual storytelling techniques that had evolved by the mid-1920s, just before the transition to sound would revolutionize the industry.
Making Of
The Average Woman was directed by Christy Cabanne, who had learned his craft working as an assistant to D.W. Griffith. Cabanne was known for his efficiency and ability to deliver films on schedule and budget. The casting of Pauline Garon as Sally Whipple capitalized on her reputation as a fresh-faced, natural actress who could convey both innocence and determination. Harrison Ford, playing Jimmy Munroe, was at the height of his popularity as a romantic leading man. The film was typical of the romantic dramas being produced by mid-sized studios during the mid-1920s, focusing on contemporary relationships and social issues. The production would have utilized the standard practices of the era, including natural lighting where possible, minimal location shooting, and extensive use of studio sets. The intertitles were likely written by a specialist title writer, as was common practice, and would have been crucial in conveying the story's nuances to the audience.
Visual Style
The cinematography of The Average Woman would have been typical of mid-1920s Hollywood productions, utilizing the standard techniques and equipment of the period. The film was likely shot on 35mm film using hand-cranked cameras, with natural lighting supplemented by studio lighting equipment. The visual style would have emphasized clarity and readability, important for silent films where visual storytelling carried the narrative weight. Interior scenes would have been shot on studio sets with controlled lighting, while any exterior scenes would have been filmed on location or on studio backlots. The cinematographer would have used medium shots for dialogue scenes and close-ups to emphasize emotional moments, following the established grammar of silent film. Camera movement would have been minimal, consisting mainly of panning and perhaps some tracking shots, as elaborate camera movements were still relatively rare and expensive. The visual composition would have been carefully planned to guide the audience's attention and support the narrative without the aid of dialogue.
Innovations
The Average Woman does not appear to have introduced any significant technical innovations or achievements in filmmaking. The film was produced using standard techniques and technology available to Hollywood studios in 1924. The production would have utilized the typical equipment of the era, including 35mm film cameras, standard lighting setups, and conventional editing techniques. The film's intertitles would have been created using standard title card production methods. While the film may have benefited from the gradual technical improvements occurring in Hollywood during the 1920s, such as better film stock quality and more sophisticated lighting equipment, it does not stand out as a technically groundbreaking work. The film represents the solid, professional craftsmanship of mid-1920s Hollywood rather than pushing technical boundaries. Its technical aspects were competent and served the story effectively, which was typical of productions from director Christy Cabanne, who was known more for his efficiency and reliability than for technical innovation.
Music
As a silent film, The Average Woman would not have had a synchronized soundtrack but would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The musical accompaniment would typically have been provided by a theater organist, pianist, or small ensemble depending on the size and prestige of the venue. The score would have been compiled from existing classical pieces, popular songs of the era, and mood music specifically composed for silent film use. The music would have closely followed the emotional tone of each scene, with romantic themes for the love scenes, tense music for the blackmail sequences, and lighter music for comedic moments. Some theaters might have used cue sheets provided by the studio suggesting appropriate musical selections for specific scenes. The musical experience would have varied significantly from theater to theater, as each musician would interpret the film differently. Unfortunately, as with most silent films, the original musical suggestions or scores for The Average Woman have not survived.
Did You Know?
- Director Christy Cabanne directed over 160 films between 1911 and 1934, making him one of the most prolific directors of the silent era.
- Harrison Ford (not to be confused with the modern actor) was a major silent film star who appeared in over 80 films before retiring from acting in 1932.
- Pauline Garon was a Canadian actress who began her career as a child performer in vaudeville before transitioning to films.
- The film was produced by Producers Distributing Corporation (PDC), a studio that existed from 1924-1927 before being absorbed into RKO Pictures.
- David Powell, who plays Van Alten, died unexpectedly in 1925 at age 50, making this one of his final film appearances.
- The concept of a journalist researching 'the average woman' reflected 1920s sociological interests in studying and categorizing American society.
- Silent films of this era typically had original scores composed for them, though most of these scores have been lost.
- The film's theme of a protective father opposing a daughter's suitor was a common trope in silent era romantic dramas.
- Judge Whipple's character represents the traditional authority figure often portrayed in 1920s films as clashing with modern values.
- The blackmail plot involving compromising letters was a standard dramatic device used in many silent films to create tension.
What Critics Said
Contemporary critical reception of The Average Woman appears to have been modestly positive, with reviews noting the charming performances of the leads and the film's engaging romantic storyline. The Motion Picture News reviewed the film favorably, particularly praising Pauline Garon's natural performance and Harrison Ford's reliable leading man presence. Critics of the era typically focused on the moral aspects of films, and this production was noted for its wholesome approach to romance while still maintaining dramatic tension through the blackmail subplot. Modern critical assessment of the film is limited due to its obscurity and the difficulty of viewing prints, but film historians have noted it as representative of the mid-1920s romantic drama genre and as an example of Christy Cabanne's competent if not particularly innovative directorial work.
What Audiences Thought
The Average Woman appears to have been received as a solid, entertaining romantic drama by audiences of 1924. The film's themes of romance, family opposition, and the triumph of true love were familiar and comforting to moviegoers of the era. Harrison Ford's popularity as a romantic leading man likely drew audiences to theaters, while Pauline Garon's relatable portrayal of an 'average woman' resonated with female viewers. The film's moderate length of 70 minutes was typical for the period and suited audience attention spans. While the film did not achieve blockbuster status or generate significant word-of-mouth buzz, it likely performed adequately for its production company, Producers Distributing Corporation, as part of their slate of releases for 1924. The conventional nature of the story and the lack of spectacular elements meant it was enjoyed but not particularly memorable to most viewers.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Contemporary romantic dramas of the 1920s
- Newspaper comedy-dramas
- Social problem films of the silent era
- Domestic melodramas