The Patsy

Plot

Patricia Harrington, known as 'Patsy' to her family, is the overlooked and unappreciated younger daughter who constantly lives in the shadow of her beautiful and sophisticated older sister Grace. When Grace's boyfriend Tony Anderson comes to visit, Patsy immediately falls for him but is dismissed as a child. Determined to win Tony's affection, Patsy transforms herself with the help of her mother's maid, adopting sophisticated mannerisms and attempting to mimic her sister's charm. Through a series of comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments, Patsy's genuine character eventually shines through, leading Tony to realize that true beauty lies within. The film culminates in a touching resolution where Patsy's authenticity triumphs over superficial appearances.

Historical Background

1928 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the end of the silent era and the transition to sound films. The Jazz Singer (1927) had already revolutionized the industry, and studios were scrambling to convert to sound technology. Despite this, many filmmakers believed silent cinema had reached its artistic peak, and 'The Patsy' represents the sophisticated culmination of silent comedy techniques. The film was released just months before the 1929 stock market crash that would end the Roaring Twenties and transform Hollywood. It captured the last gasp of the carefree, prosperous Jazz Age spirit, with its themes of social climbing and family dynamics reflecting the era's values. The film also came at a time when women's roles in society were evolving, with the 'New Woman' of the 1920s challenging traditional gender roles.

Making Of

The production of 'The Patsy' was notable for the creative tension between King Vidor and William Randolph Hearst. Hearst wanted Marion Davies to be cast in glamorous, dramatic roles to enhance her social standing, but Vidor insisted her true talent lay in comedy. The director won this battle, and the result became Davies' most critically acclaimed performance. The famous mirror sequence was not in the original script; it developed during rehearsals when Davies began entertaining the crew with her impressions. Vidor immediately recognized its potential and had it written into the film. Marie Dressler, who had been blacklisted by Hollywood studios due to salary disputes and perceived difficult behavior, was given a chance by Vidor, and her performance as the long-suffering mother became a career-reviving triumph. The film was shot during the transition period to sound, but Vidor chose to make it as a silent film, believing the visual comedy would be more effective without dialogue.

Visual Style

The cinematography by John Arnold employed sophisticated techniques that were cutting-edge for 1928. The film utilized extensive use of soft focus lighting to enhance Marion Davies' appearance while maintaining the comedic elements. The famous mirror scene required innovative camera placement and lighting to create the illusion of Davies' multiple reflections. Arnold employed careful composition throughout, using the family home's architecture to visually represent Patsy's confinement and later liberation. The party sequences featured elaborate lighting setups that created depth and atmosphere, showcasing the glamour of late 1920s high society. The film's visual style balanced the intimate family scenes with the broader social settings, using lighting and camera angles to emphasize the emotional journey of the protagonist.

Innovations

While 'The Patsy' did not introduce groundbreaking technical innovations, it demonstrated mastery of existing techniques at the height of silent cinema. The mirror scene represented an achievement in special effects, requiring careful camera work and editing to create convincing reflections. The film showcased sophisticated use of multiple exposure techniques and precise timing in its comedic sequences. The production design and art direction, led by Cedric Gibbons, created authentic representations of 1920s upper-class homes and social settings. The film's editing, particularly in the rapid-fire comedy sequences, demonstrated the rhythmic precision that had been developed in silent comedy throughout the decade. The costume changes for Marion Davies, numbering over twenty different outfits, represented a significant production achievement and were crucial to the storytelling.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Patsy' was originally presented with live musical accompaniment. The score was composed by William Axt, MGM's house composer, who created a sophisticated orchestral score that balanced comic elements with emotional moments. The music featured leitmotifs for each character, with Patsy's theme evolving from simple and childlike to more complex as she gains confidence. The score incorporated popular songs of the era that would have been familiar to 1928 audiences. Modern screenings of the film typically feature either reconstructions of Axt's original score or new compositions by silent film accompanists. The musical accompaniment was crucial to the film's emotional impact, particularly in scenes without intertitles where the music carried the narrative forward.

Memorable Scenes

• The legendary mirror scene where Marion Davies flawlessly impersonates Pola Negri's dramatic intensity, Lillian Gish's ethereal fragility, and Mae Murray's exotic glamour, showcasing her incredible range as a performer
• The dinner party scene where Patsy, attempting to be sophisticated, accidentally spills soup on herself and handles the mishap with unexpected grace
• The emotional confrontation between the two sisters where Grace finally acknowledges Patsy's worth
• The final scene where Tony chooses Patsy, validating her journey of self-discovery
• Marie Dressler's heartbreaking monologue as the mother who realizes she has unfairly favored one daughter over another

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Patsy' as one of the best comedies of 1928. The New York Times hailed Marion Davies' performance as 'revelatory' and noted that she 'proves herself a comedienne of the first rank.' Variety called it 'a delightful comedy that showcases Davies at her best' while Film Daily praised King Vidor's direction as 'masterful.' Modern critics have been equally enthusiastic; the film holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on critical reviews. Film historian Kevin Brownlow has called it 'one of the supreme comedies of the silent era,' while Leonard Maltin described it as 'a delightful showcase for Marion Davies' comedic talents.' The film is frequently cited in academic studies of silent comedy as an example of how sophisticated the genre had become by the late 1920s.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1928 embraced 'The Patsy' enthusiastically, making it one of the more successful releases of that year. Contemporary reports indicate that theaters showing the film experienced strong attendance, with many patrons returning for multiple viewings. The film's emotional core combined with its comedy struck a chord with viewers, particularly women who identified with Patsy's struggle for recognition. Modern audiences who have discovered the film through revivals and home video have similarly responded positively, often expressing surprise at Marion Davies' comedic abilities, which had been overshadowed by her personal life in historical accounts. The film has developed a cult following among silent film enthusiasts and is frequently requested at classic film festivals.

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