The Wicked Darling

Plot

Mary Stevens, a young woman living in the impoverished Bowery district of New York, survives as a pickpocket working with the cunning criminal Stoop Connors. After stealing a valuable diamond necklace from wealthy socialite Adele Hoyt during a high-society event, Mary flees and takes refuge in the home of Kent Mortimer, a respectable gentleman who happens to be Adele's former fiancé. As Mary and Kent develop a genuine romantic connection, she struggles with her criminal past and desire for redemption. Stoop Connors, discovering Mary's whereabouts, attempts to blackmail her and threatens to expose her true identity to Kent. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Mary must choose between her life of crime and the possibility of a new life with Kent, ultimately leading to a moral reckoning and the possibility of redemption through love.

Historical Background

The Wicked Darling was produced and released in 1919, a pivotal year in American history and cinema. The film industry was transitioning from the dominance of short films to feature-length productions becoming the standard. This period followed World War I, during which American films had gained international prominence as European film industries were disrupted by the war. The film's themes of class conflict and social mobility reflected the turbulent post-war period, when many Americans were questioning traditional social hierarchies and the American Dream was being redefined. The year 1919 also saw major labor unrest, the Red Scare, and significant social changes including women's suffrage and Prohibition. The film's depiction of criminal underworlds and moral redemption resonated with audiences seeking both entertainment and moral clarity during this period of social upheaval. Additionally, the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919, which killed millions worldwide, was still affecting daily life during the film's production and release, making escapist entertainment particularly valuable to audiences.

Making Of

The production of 'The Wicked Darling' marked a significant turning point in both Tod Browning's and Lon Chaney's careers. Browning, who had worked as an actor and assistant director for D.W. Griffith, was given more creative freedom by Universal's head Carl Laemmle after the success of his earlier films. Chaney, still building his reputation as 'The Man of a Thousand Faces,' impressed Browning with his willingness to undergo physical transformations and his intense method approach to character development. The film was shot during the deadly 1918 flu pandemic, which caused production delays and required the cast and crew to work under strict health protocols. The elaborate Bowery sets were so realistic that they reportedly caused some studio executives to question whether the production was actually filming in New York's actual slums. Priscilla Dean, who was Universal's top female star at the time, reportedly clashed with Chaney over scene priorities, with both actors wanting to maximize their screen time. The film's climactic chase sequence was filmed over three days and required Chaney to perform his own stunts despite his character's supposed physical disability.

Visual Style

The cinematography of The Wicked Darling was handled by William Fildew, Universal's chief cinematographer during this period. Fildew employed innovative lighting techniques to create dramatic contrasts between the film's two primary settings: the dimly lit, claustrophobic Bowery tenements and the bright, spacious high society interiors. The film utilized extensive use of chiaroscuro lighting to enhance the moral ambiguity of the characters and situations, a technique that would become a hallmark of later film noir. Fildew made particular use of low-angle shots to emphasize the power dynamics between characters, and close-ups were employed strategically to highlight emotional moments, especially during scenes featuring Lon Chaney's expressive performance. The film also featured several tracking shots during chase sequences, which were technically challenging for the period and required elaborate camera setups. The cinematography helped establish the visual language that Tod Browning would refine in his later, more famous works.

Innovations

The Wicked Darling featured several technical achievements that were notable for 1919. The film employed sophisticated double exposure techniques for dream sequences and memory flashbacks, which were technically challenging in the era before optical printers. The production utilized newly developed panchromatic film stock for certain scenes, which allowed for more natural rendering of skin tones and better performance in low-light conditions. The film's elaborate sets included working elevators and detailed street scenes that demonstrated Universal's growing technical capabilities. The chase sequences required complex camera movements and editing techniques that pushed the boundaries of contemporary filmmaking practices. The makeup effects for Lon Chaney's character, while relatively simple compared to his later transformations, demonstrated early applications of prosthetic techniques that would become more sophisticated in subsequent films. The film also featured innovative use of location footage intercut with studio shots, creating a more realistic visual texture than was common in productions of this era.

Music

As a silent film, The Wicked Darling would have featured live musical accompaniment during theatrical exhibitions. Universal provided detailed musical cue sheets to theaters, suggesting appropriate music for different scenes and emotional moments. The score would typically have been performed by a theater's organist or small orchestra, with selections ranging from classical pieces to popular songs of the era. For the slum scenes, dissonant and minor-key music was recommended, while the high society sequences called for waltzes and classical pieces. During moments of tension and chase sequences, faster-paced, dramatic music was suggested. The film's romantic scenes would have been accompanied by popular love songs of the period. Universal's cue sheets for this film specifically recommended works by composers such as Chopin, Liszt, and contemporary popular songwriters. The musical accompaniment played a crucial role in conveying emotion and enhancing the narrative, as was typical for silent films of this period.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing Mary Stevens navigating the crowded, dangerous streets of the Bowery, establishing the harsh reality of her world
• The tense society party scene where Mary steals the diamond necklace, featuring elaborate period costumes and high society drama
• The first meeting between Mary and Kent Mortimer in his elegant home, highlighting the stark contrast between their worlds
• The climactic confrontation on the rooftop where Stoop Connors attempts to blackmail Mary, featuring dramatic shadows and perilous heights
• The emotional finale where Mary must choose between her criminal past and her chance at redemption with Kent

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception to The Wicked Darling was generally positive, with reviewers praising its dramatic tension and the performances of its leads. The Motion Picture News praised the film as 'a gripping melodrama that holds the audience's attention from start to finish,' while Variety noted that 'Miss Dean gives her best performance to date, and Mr. Chaney creates a memorable villain.' Critics particularly appreciated the film's atmospheric depiction of New York's underworld and its effective contrast between slum and high society settings. Modern film historians, while unable to view the film directly due to its lost status, recognize it as an important early work in both Browning's and Chaney's careers. Film scholars consider it a crucial stepping stone in the development of American crime cinema and a significant example of post-WWI social melodrama. The film is frequently cited in studies of lost films as a representative example of the high-quality productions that have been lost to time, highlighting the tragic loss of approximately 75% of American silent films.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception to The Wicked Darling was overwhelmingly positive, with the film proving to be a commercial success for Universal Pictures. Contemporary reports indicate that the film played to packed houses in major cities across the United States, particularly appealing to working-class audiences who could relate to its themes of struggle and redemption. The film's romantic elements attracted female viewers, while its crime storylines and action sequences drew male audiences. The chemistry between Priscilla Dean and Wellington A. Playter was particularly praised by moviegoers, and Lon Chaney's performance as the villain generated strong audience reactions. The film's success led to increased demand for similar crime melodramas, and it helped establish Universal as a serious competitor to larger studios like Paramount and MGM. Audience word-of-mouth was especially strong in urban areas where the film's depiction of city life resonated with viewers' daily experiences. The film's popularity contributed to the growing trend of feature-length films becoming the standard for American cinema, as audiences demonstrated their willingness to sit through longer, more complex narratives.

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