The Blot
About The Blot
Professor Andrew Griggs (Philip Hubbard) cannot live on his college pay. His daughter Amelia (Claire Windsor), a library clerk, keeps her distance from the rich student Phil West (Louis Calhern), whose father is a trustee. A poor minister and the neighbor's son, young Olsen, also want her. When Amelia is ill, Mrs. Griggs (Margaret McWade) steals a chicken from the Olsen kitchen because she cannot feed her. Phil gets his father to raise the professor's salary. Amelia and Phil become engaged.
Cast & crew
More about The Blot
Lois Weber directed and wrote the script with Marion Orth. She produced it with Phillips Smalley, who is also credited as a director on some records. Gordon Jennings and Philip R. Du Bois photographed it. F. B. Warren Corporation distributed it. The Chicago premiere was 21 August 1921. General release was 4 September 1921. It runs 91 minutes. Weber shot on Los Angeles streets and at the old University of Los Angeles campus, using daylight where she could. A 2006 DVD includes a commentary by Shelley Stamp. It was not a Famous Players-Lasky release.
Themes
Making
Weber kept the Griggs house and the Olsen house side by side so the stolen chicken and the two kitchens could be cut against each other.
Look
Gordon Jennings and Philip R. Du Bois shot the college rooms and the two kitchens in daylight on Los Angeles locations.
Preservation
The film survives at about 91 minutes. A DVD with Shelley Stamp's commentary was issued in 2006.
Notes
- Phil's friends in class include Bert Gareth, a congressman's son, and Walt Lucas, who must graduate to get an inheritance.
- Marie Walcamp plays the other girl. William H. O'Brien is in the cast.
- The chicken Mrs. Griggs takes is from the shoemaker's kitchen next door, the household that has food.
- F. B. Warren advertised itself in Motion Picture News of 16 July 1921 as a new independent distributor, and The Blot was to be its first release.
- A circulating copy runs about 94 minutes.
Scenes
- Griggs asks his class to pay attention. Phil and his friends do not.
- Mrs. Griggs takes a chicken from the neighbors while Amelia is ill.
- Phil's father raises the salary, and Amelia accepts Phil.
