Wanted, a Nurse
Plot
In this 1915 comedy, a wealthy gentleman witnesses a minor accident and becomes instantly smitten with the compassionate nurse who tends to the injured person. Unable to forget the kind-hearted medical professional, he concocts an elaborate scheme to see her again by pretending to be seriously ill. The ruse leads to a series of comedic situations as the nurse tends to her seemingly desperate patient, while the wealthy man struggles to maintain his deception. As their interactions continue, genuine feelings begin to develop between them, complicating the original pretense. The film culminates in a heartwarming resolution where truth and love triumph over the elaborate charade.
About the Production
This film was part of the popular Sidney Drew series of domestic comedies produced by Vitagraph. The Drews were known for their sophisticated, upper-class comedy scenarios that appealed to middle-class audiences. The film was likely shot on Vitagraph's Brooklyn studio lot with some location shooting in Manhattan.
Historical Background
1915 was a pivotal year in cinema history, occurring during the transition from short films to feature-length productions. The film industry was rapidly consolidating, with studios like Vitagraph competing for audience attention. This was also the year of D.W. Griffith's controversial masterpiece 'The Birth of a Nation,' which dramatically influenced filmmaking techniques and demonstrated cinema's commercial potential. The United States was maintaining neutrality in World War I during this period, and films like 'Wanted, a Nurse' provided escapist entertainment for audiences concerned about the growing conflict in Europe. The film reflects the growing sophistication of American comedy, moving away from purely physical slapstick toward more character-driven humor.
Why This Film Matters
While 'Wanted, a Nurse' may not be a landmark film in cinema history, it represents the important tradition of domestic comedy in early American cinema. The Drews' work helped establish the romantic comedy genre and demonstrated the appeal of sophisticated, middle-class entertainment. Their films provided a template for later romantic comedies featuring clever schemes and misunderstandings leading to love. The film also reflects early 20th-century attitudes toward nursing as a respectable profession for women, while simultaneously playing with gender dynamics through its romantic plot. The Drews' naturalistic acting style influenced the move toward more subtle performances in American cinema.
Making Of
Sidney Drew and his wife Lucille McVey had a unique working relationship both on and off screen. They often co-wrote and co-directed their films, though Sidney typically received the primary directing credit. Their collaboration represented one of early cinema's most successful creative partnerships. The Drews were known for their naturalistic acting style, which was more subtle than the exaggerated performances common in silent films. They brought a theatrical refinement to their screen work that appealed to sophisticated audiences. The production likely followed Vitagraph's efficient studio system, with rapid shooting schedules to meet the high demand for new films during the cinema boom of the 1910s.
Visual Style
As a 1915 Vitagraph production, the film would have utilized the standard cinematography techniques of the period. The visual style likely featured static camera positions typical of early cinema, with some use of panning to follow action. The lighting would have been primarily natural or studio lighting designed to clearly illuminate the actors and sets. Vitagraph was known for its relatively high production values compared to some competitors, so the film probably featured well-composed shots and clear visual storytelling appropriate for the comedy genre.
Music
As a silent film, 'Wanted, a Nurse' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during theatrical exhibition. The score would likely have been compiled from popular classical pieces and stock music appropriate to the romantic comedy genre. A theater organist or small orchestra would provide musical cues synchronized with the on-screen action, with romantic themes for the love scenes and lighter, more playful music for the comedic situations. The specific musical selections would have varied by theater and musician.
Famous Quotes
I must see that nurse again... even if it requires the most elaborate pretense!
A wealthy man can afford anything... except the woman he truly loves.
Memorable Scenes
- The opening accident scene where the wealthy man first encounters the compassionate nurse, setting in motion his elaborate scheme to win her affection through feigned illness
Did You Know?
- Sidney Drew and his wife Lucille McVey (credited as Mrs. Sidney Drew) were one of early cinema's most popular married acting couples
- The Drews specialized in sophisticated domestic comedies that contrasted with the more slapstick style of other silent comedians
- Vitagraph Company of America was one of the major film production companies of the silent era
- Many of the Drews' films were based on original scenarios rather than adaptations, showcasing their creative input
- The film was released during World War I, a time when audiences sought light entertainment as an escape from global tensions
- Sidney Drew was the uncle of the famous Barrymore acting siblings (Lionel, Ethel, and John)
- The Drews' films often featured themes of mistaken identity and romantic complications
- This film represents a transitional period in American cinema when feature-length films were becoming more common
What Critics Said
Contemporary reviews of the Drews' films were generally positive, with critics praising their sophisticated humor and natural performances. The trade publications of the era, such as Moving Picture World, often noted the appeal of the Drews' refined comedy to family audiences. Critics particularly appreciated the chemistry between Sidney and Lucille Drew, which was evident both on and off screen. Modern film historians recognize the Drews as important figures in the development of American screen comedy, though individual films like 'Wanted, a Nurse' are rarely discussed in detail due to the limited availability of their work.
What Audiences Thought
The Drews' films consistently enjoyed popularity with middle-class audiences who appreciated their sophisticated humor and avoidance of the more vulgar comedy styles popular in other films of the era. Their domestic scenarios resonated with viewers seeking entertainment that reflected their own social values and aspirations. The romantic elements of films like 'Wanted, a Nurse' were particularly appealing to female audiences, who were becoming an increasingly important demographic for the film industry. Audience feedback through letters to trade publications suggests that viewers enjoyed the Drews' reliable formula of gentle comedy and romantic resolution.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Stage comedies of manners
- Domestic literature of the early 20th century
- Earlier Vitagraph comedy shorts
This Film Influenced
- Later romantic comedies featuring medical professionals
- Films about wealthy men pursuing working-class women
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Film Restoration
Like many films from this era, the preservation status of 'Wanted, a Nurse' is uncertain. A significant percentage of American silent films have been lost due to the unstable nature of early nitrate film stock and lack of systematic preservation efforts. If copies survive, they would likely be held in film archives such as the Library of Congress or the Museum of Modern Art's film collection.