The Delicious Little Devil

Plot

Mary McGuire, a poor hat-check girl at a fashionable hotel, loses her job when she refuses the advances of a wealthy patron. Desperate for work, she accepts a position as a dancer at a roadhouse called 'The Devil's Inn,' where she adopts the stage name 'The Delicious Little Devil.' There she meets and falls in love with John B. Cobb, the son of a wealthy businessman who is unaware of her occupation. When John's father discovers the relationship, he believes Mary is a gold digger and schemes to expose her supposed immoral character by throwing a lavish party at the roadhouse. The father's plan backfires when Mary's true virtue is revealed, and she proves her love for John is genuine, leading to a romantic reconciliation.

Historical Background

The Delicious Little Devil was produced in 1919, a year of tremendous social and cultural transformation in America. World War I had just ended, bringing significant changes to American society, particularly regarding women's roles and freedoms. The film emerged during the early Jazz Age, when traditional moral codes were being challenged and the 'New Woman' was emerging. This period saw the rise of the flapper culture, with women embracing greater independence, shorter hemlines, and more liberal social attitudes. The film industry itself was undergoing rapid changes, with Hollywood solidifying its position as the world's film capital and studios developing the star system that would dominate cinema for decades. The movie's themes of class conflict and romantic independence reflected the broader social tensions of the post-war period, as American society grappled with modernization and changing values.

Making Of

The production of 'The Delicious Little Devil' took place during a pivotal time in Hollywood's development. Director Robert Z. Leonard and Mae Murray were newly married at the time, and their professional collaboration was closely watched by the industry. The film's elaborate dance sequences required weeks of rehearsal, with Murray insisting on choreographing her own routines. The roadhouse set was one of Universal's most expensive constructions to date, featuring a working bar, dance floor, and multiple levels. During filming, Murray's perfectionist nature led to several conflicts with the studio over costume designs and lighting setups. The production team worked long hours to complete the film on schedule, as Universal was eager to capitalize on Murray's growing popularity. The film's success helped establish the 'Murray-Leonard' brand as a reliable money-maker for the studio.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Charles J. Stumar employed the techniques typical of the late silent era, with careful attention to lighting Mae Murray's features to highlight her famous 'bee-stung lips' and expressive eyes. The film utilized the newly developed artificial lighting techniques that allowed for more controlled and sophisticated visual effects. The dance sequences featured innovative camera movements for the time, including some tracking shots that followed Murray's movements across the dance floor. The roadhouse scenes employed dramatic lighting contrasts to create atmosphere, with the use of practical lighting from the set's fixtures adding to the realism. The film's visual style reflected the transition from the more static cinematography of the early 1910s to the more dynamic and expressive techniques that would characterize the golden age of silent cinema.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in technical innovation, the film employed several advanced techniques for its time. The elaborate roadhouse set represented a significant achievement in production design, featuring multiple levels and working elements that added to the film's realism. The dance sequences utilized innovative camera placement and movement to capture Murray's performances effectively. The film's editing was more sophisticated than many contemporary productions, with smooth transitions between scenes and effective use of intertitles to advance the narrative. The lighting techniques used to highlight Murray's features demonstrated the growing sophistication of cinematography in the late silent period. The production also employed early makeup techniques specifically designed to photograph well under the lighting conditions of the era.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Delicious Little Devil' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during theatrical exhibitions. The typical score would have been compiled from classical pieces and popular songs of the era, with music chosen to match the mood of each scene. The dance sequences would have featured lively ragtime or early jazz music to complement Murray's performances. Universal likely provided cue sheets to theater musicians suggesting appropriate musical selections for different scenes. The film's romantic moments would have been accompanied by sentimental popular songs of the period, while the dramatic scenes would have used more classical selections. No original composed score exists for this film, as was common for productions of this era before the advent of synchronized sound.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Mary loses her hat-check job for standing up to unwanted advances
• Mary's first dance performance at The Devil's Inn, showcasing Mae Murray's signature style
• The romantic meeting between Mary and John at the roadhouse
• The father's elaborate scheme to expose Mary at the party
• The final revelation scene where Mary's true character is proven
• The reconciliation dance sequence that brings the lovers together

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised Mae Murray's performance and dancing abilities, with Variety noting her 'irresistible charm' and 'graceful movements.' The film was generally well-received by trade publications, which highlighted its entertainment value and Murray's star appeal. The New York Times review focused on the film's lavish production values and effective blend of comedy and romance. Modern critics and film historians view the movie as an important example of early star vehicles and a reflection of changing social mores in post-WWI America. While not considered a masterpiece of silent cinema, it is recognized for its historical significance in the development of the romantic comedy genre and for showcasing Mae Murray's unique talents during the peak of her career.

What Audiences Thought

The film was popular with contemporary audiences, particularly in urban areas where Murray's dancing and glamorous persona resonated with theater-goers. It performed especially well with young female audiences who identified with the independent spirit of Murray's character. The movie's box office success helped solidify Murray's status as one of Universal's most reliable stars. Audience response to the dance sequences was particularly enthusiastic, with many theaters reporting repeat attendance for Murray's performances. The film's themes of romance across class divisions appealed to the aspirations of working-class audiences during a period of social mobility. Contemporary newspaper accounts suggest that the film was a favorite among the emerging 'flapper' demographic, who saw Murray's character as embodying their own desires for independence and romantic fulfillment.

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