The Danger Girl

Plot

In this madcap comedy, Gloria Swanson plays a young woman who discovers her boyfriend Bobby is being pursued by a dangerous vamp. Determined to save her relationship, Gloria devises a clever plan by disguising herself as a man to distract the vamp and lead her away from Bobby. The disguise leads to a series of hilarious complications and misunderstandings as Gloria attempts to maintain her masculine identity while navigating romantic entanglements. As the plot unfolds, the vamp becomes increasingly interested in 'Glorio,' while Bobby grows suspicious of the mysterious man who has captured his rival's attention. The film culminates in a comedic revelation where Gloria's true identity is exposed, leading to a resolution that restores order to the romantic triangle. This early comedy showcases Swanson's comedic talents and physical comedy skills that would later make her a major star.

Historical Background

The Danger Girl was released in 1916, a pivotal year in American and world history. The United States was on the brink of entering World War I, and the film industry was undergoing significant changes with the establishment of Hollywood as the center of American film production. This period saw the transition from short films to feature-length productions, though comedies like this often remained shorter in duration. The film reflects the changing social dynamics of the Progressive Era, when traditional gender roles were being questioned and women were gaining more independence. The comedy's cross-dressing theme, while played for laughs, touched on contemporary discussions about gender identity and women's roles in society. The film industry itself was consolidating, with major studios like Triangle Film Corporation (which produced this film) attempting to create vertically integrated production and distribution systems. 1916 was also the year that Charlie Chaplin signed a record-breaking contract with Mutual Film Corporation, setting new standards for star power in Hollywood.

Making Of

The Danger Girl was made during a transitional period in American cinema when films were evolving from short one-reelers to longer, more complex narratives. Gloria Swanson, who was only 19 when she made this film, was still developing her screen persona and had not yet achieved the superstar status she would later attain. The cross-dressing element of the plot was a common comedic device in silent films, allowing actresses like Swanson to demonstrate their range and physical comedy skills. Director Clarence G. Badger was known for his ability to extract natural performances from his actors while maintaining the fast-paced comedic timing required for Keystone-style comedies. The film was shot quickly, as was typical for productions of this era, with minimal rehearsal and an emphasis on spontaneous comedic moments. The chemistry between Swanson and Vernon was well-established, as they had appeared together in multiple films, which likely contributed to their natural on-screen dynamic.

Visual Style

The cinematography in The Danger Girl was typical of Keystone Studios productions in 1916, featuring bright, even lighting that ensured visibility of the actors' expressions and physical movements. The film was likely shot on black and white film stock using hand-cranked cameras, which allowed for variable speeds to create comedic effects. The camera work would have been relatively static by modern standards, with occasional pans to follow action across the frame. Close-ups were used strategically to emphasize emotional moments and comedic expressions, particularly for Gloria Swanson's reactions to various situations. The film's visual style emphasized clarity and readability, important qualities for silent films that relied entirely on visual storytelling. The cinematographer would have worked closely with the director to ensure that the physical comedy and sight gags were clearly visible to the audience. The film's visual aesthetic reflects the transitional period of cinema, moving away from the more theatrical staging of earlier films toward a more cinematic approach that took advantage of the medium's unique visual capabilities.

Innovations

The Danger Girl does not appear to have introduced any major technical innovations, but it represents the standard technical proficiency of Keystone Studios productions in 1916. The film demonstrates the sophisticated editing techniques that had been developed by this time, including cross-cutting between different locations to build suspense and comedy. The use of intertitles was minimal but effective, providing necessary narrative information without disrupting the visual flow. The film's makeup and costume design, particularly for Swanson's male disguise, show the attention to detail that was becoming standard in professional film production. The lighting techniques used would have employed natural light supplemented by artificial lighting to achieve the bright, clear look characteristic of California-based productions. The film's pacing and rhythm demonstrate the advanced understanding of cinematic timing that had been developed by comedians and directors working in the silent medium. While not groundbreaking technically, the film represents the polished craftsmanship that had become standard in American studio productions by the mid-1910s.

Music

As a silent film, The Danger Girl did not have a synchronized soundtrack but would have been accompanied by live musical performance during theatrical exhibition. The typical accompaniment would have included a pianist or small orchestra playing popular songs of the era, classical pieces, and improvised music that matched the on-screen action. For a comedy like this, the music would have been upbeat and lively, with faster tempos during chase sequences and physical comedy moments. Theaters often used cue sheets that suggested appropriate musical selections for different scenes, though the specific music used for this film is not documented. The romantic elements would have been accompanied by sentimental popular songs, while the cross-dressing scenes might have featured playful, mischievous melodies. The lack of recorded sound meant that the film's humor relied entirely on visual elements, with the live music serving to enhance the emotional tone and pacing of the narrative.

Memorable Scenes

• The transformation scene where Gloria Swanson disguises herself as a man, complete with masculine clothing and mannerisms that create comedic effect
• The first encounter between disguised Gloria and the vamp, where the vamp becomes intrigued by this 'mysterious man'
• The scene where Bobby becomes suspicious of the man who has captured his rival's attention, creating dramatic irony
• The final revelation scene where Gloria's true identity is exposed, leading to the resolution of the romantic triangle

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for The Danger Girl is difficult to trace due to the limited documentation of film reviews from 1916. However, films of this type from Keystone Studios were generally well-received by audiences and critics who appreciated their energetic comedy and technical proficiency. The film likely received positive attention for Gloria Swanson's performance, as she was already gaining recognition for her screen presence. Modern film historians and silent cinema scholars view the film as an interesting example of early American comedy and an important artifact for understanding Swanson's early career before she became a major star. The film is often cited in discussions about cross-dressing in early cinema and the development of romantic comedy as a genre. While not considered a masterpiece of silent cinema, it is valued for its historical significance and as an example of the types of films that entertained audiences during the transitional period of American film history.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1916 generally responded positively to The Danger Girl and similar comedies from Keystone Studios. The film's fast-paced action, physical comedy, and romantic elements appealed to the diverse audiences that frequented nickelodeons and movie theaters during this period. Gloria Swanson's growing popularity undoubtedly contributed to the film's success, as audiences were drawn to her beauty and comedic timing. The cross-dressing premise would have provided additional entertainment value, as gender disguise was a popular comedic device that audiences found both amusing and intriguing. The film's relatively short runtime (25 minutes) made it suitable for the variety program formats that were common in theaters of the era, where multiple short films were typically shown together. While specific box office figures are not available, the film was likely successful enough to justify the continued pairing of Swanson and Vernon in subsequent productions.

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