The Plastic Age

Plot

Hugh Carver, a promising freshman and athletic star at Prescott College, struggles to balance his demanding academic schedule and rigorous training regimen with his newfound romance. He falls deeply for Cynthia Day, a vivacious and popular co-ed who thrives on the social scene and constant partying. As their relationship intensifies, Hugh finds himself increasingly distracted from his studies and athletic responsibilities, leading to declining grades and poor performance in sports. The couple faces mounting pressure from college authorities and concerned friends who warn them about the dangers of their lifestyle choices. Eventually, Hugh and Cynthia must confront the consequences of their actions and make difficult decisions about their future together and their individual paths to success.

Historical Background

The Plastic Age was released during the height of the Roaring Twenties, a period of unprecedented social change and cultural rebellion in America. The film captured the spirit of the Jazz Age, when traditional values were being challenged by a new generation embracing modernity, consumer culture, and sexual freedom. College enrollment was surging nationwide, and universities were becoming hotbeds of social experimentation. The film's release coincided with the peak of Prohibition, making its depiction of college drinking particularly controversial. This was also a transitional period in cinema, as silent films were reaching their artistic zenith while the industry was experimenting with early sound technologies.

Making Of

Director Wesley Ruggles was known for his ability to work quickly and efficiently, completing this film in just three weeks. Clara Bow, though not the top-billed star, stole every scene with her natural charisma and modern sensibility, which resonated with Jazz Age audiences. The cast spent time on college campuses observing student behavior to ensure authenticity. The party scenes were particularly challenging to film due to the need to coordinate dozens of extras and create the illusion of wild revelry while maintaining silent film discipline. Many of the college athletes in the film were actual USC students recruited for their athletic abilities. The chemistry between Bow and Keith was so genuine that rumors of an off-screen romance circulated, though both denied it.

Visual Style

The cinematography by James Wong Howe utilized innovative camera techniques to capture the dynamic energy of college life. Howe employed mobile cameras during athletic sequences to create a sense of movement and excitement. The party scenes used dramatic lighting with deep shadows to suggest the forbidden nature of the activities. The film made effective use of location shooting at USC, with wide shots of the campus establishing the setting and intimate close-ups capturing the emotional drama. Howe's work demonstrated the transition from static theatrical compositions to more fluid, cinematic movement characteristic of late silent films.

Innovations

While not a groundbreaking technical film, The Plastic Age utilized several notable techniques for its time. The film employed location shooting to achieve greater realism, a practice that was becoming more common but still required significant logistical planning. The athletic sequences used multiple cameras and editing techniques to create dynamic action scenes. Some versions of the film incorporated early sound-on-film technology for specific sequences, representing an early experiment in hybrid sound-silent production. The film's editing pace was notably faster than many contemporary productions, reflecting the energetic tempo of modern life it depicted.

Music

As a silent film, The Plastic Age featured a compiled musical score performed by theater organists or small orchestras. The typical accompaniment included popular jazz tunes of the era, college fight songs, and classical pieces appropriate to the mood of each scene. Some theaters equipped with early sound technology used the Phonofilm process to add synchronized sound effects during athletic events and party sequences. The musical direction emphasized the rhythmic energy of the Jazz Age, with ragtime and early jazz compositions prominently featured.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening football game sequence where Hugh Carver demonstrates his athletic prowess, featuring dynamic camera work and authentic college football action
• The wild fraternity party scene where Cynthia introduces Hugh to the Jazz Age lifestyle, complete with jazz music, dancing, and illegal drinking
• The emotional confrontation between Hugh and Cynthia in the campus library, where they must face the consequences of their choices
• The climactic track meet where Hugh must prove he can balance his athletic responsibilities with his personal life
• The final graduation scene where Hugh and Cynthia make their life-altering decisions about their future together

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised The Plastic Age for its energetic pacing and authentic portrayal of college life. The New York Times called it 'a vivid and entertaining picture of modern youth' while Variety noted Clara Bow's 'electric screen presence.' Some critics, however, expressed concern about the film's moral implications, with some religious publications warning against its influence on young viewers. Modern critics recognize the film as an important cultural document of the 1920s and a key work in Clara Bow's filmography, though some note that its plot conventions follow predictable romantic comedy formulas of the era.

What Audiences Thought

The Plastic Age was enormously popular with audiences, particularly college students and young adults who saw their own lives reflected on screen. The film played to packed houses in college towns across America and became a campus phenomenon. Clara Bow's performance generated tremendous fan mail and established her as a major star. The movie's controversial elements, including its depiction of partying and sexual innuendo, actually increased its appeal among younger viewers seeking more realistic portrayals of their generation. The film's success at the box office surprised Paramount executives and led to increased investment in youth-oriented programming.

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