You Never Know Women

Plot

Vera, the star of a Russian vaudeville troupe, is dramatically rescued from a falling construction girder by Eugene Foster, a wealthy American broker who becomes instantly infatuated with her. Foster persists in his romantic pursuit, even hiring the entire troupe to perform at his lavish home to be near Vera. During a performance, Vera suffers a fall and awakens to find Foster declaring his love while her performing partner Norodin, who secretly loves her, witnesses their embrace from afar. Heartbroken and jealous, Norodin performs his dangerous underwater escape stunt and deliberately makes Vera believe he has perished, leaving her devastated. When Vera confesses her mistake to Foster, he becomes enraged and attempts to force himself upon her, but Norodin suddenly reappears and, using his magician skills, pins Foster to the wall with thrown knives, giving him a final warning to leave before the last blade finds its mark.

Historical Background

Released in 1926, 'You Never Know Women' emerged during the golden age of silent cinema, just before the transition to sound films would revolutionize the industry. The mid-1920s saw Hollywood studios producing films at an unprecedented rate, with Paramount Pictures competing fiercely with other major studios. This period also reflected America's fascination with European culture and exotic settings, as evidenced by the film's Russian vaudeville theme. The movie's release coincided with the rise of the 'flapper' era and changing attitudes toward women's independence, themes subtly reflected in Vera's character. The film industry was also experiencing significant technical advancements, with better cameras, lighting, and special effects becoming standard.

Making Of

Director William A. Wellman, still early in his career, brought his characteristic energy and visual flair to this production. The film was shot during Paramount's transition to more sophisticated productions, benefiting from the studio's investment in better lighting and camera equipment. The underwater sequence presented significant technical challenges, requiring the construction of a special tank with glass panels for camera visibility. The cast underwent training for their vaudeville performances, with Florence Vidor studying Russian dance techniques. Lowell Sherman, who played the villainous Foster, reportedly suggested several modifications to his character to make him more menacing. The film's production coincided with the industry's gradual shift toward more complex narratives and character development in silent cinema.

Visual Style

The cinematography, credited to James Wong Howe (though some sources list other cinematographers), employed the dramatic lighting techniques becoming standard in mid-1920s productions. The underwater sequence required specialized photography equipment and innovative techniques to capture clear images in the tank setting. The knife-throwing finale utilized careful camera angles and editing to enhance the tension and danger. The film's visual style reflected the transition from the flat lighting of early silent films to the more sophisticated use of shadows and highlights that would characterize late silent cinema.

Innovations

The film's most notable technical achievement was the underwater escape sequence, which required innovative filming techniques for the period. The production team constructed a special filming tank with viewing ports for the camera, a significant investment for a single sequence. The knife-throwing finale employed careful editing and possibly reverse-motion photography to achieve its dramatic effect. The film also utilized the more mobile camera techniques that were becoming standard in 1926, allowing for more dynamic movement during the performance sequences.

Music

As a silent film, 'You Never Know Women' was accompanied by live musical scores during theatrical presentations. The score typically included Russian folk themes to complement the film's setting, along with romantic melodramatic pieces for the love scenes and tense, rhythmic music for the action sequences. Paramount provided suggested cue sheets to theater musicians, recommending specific classical pieces and popular songs of the era. The vaudeville performances within the film would have been accompanied by appropriate diegetic music suggested by the score.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic opening rescue sequence where Vera is saved from the falling girder
• The underwater escape performance where Norodin fakes his death
• The tense knife-throwing finale where Norodin pins Foster to the wall with knives
• The vaudeville performance scenes showcasing authentic Russian entertainment

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film's entertainment value and the performances of its leads. Variety noted the film's 'exciting climax' and called Florence Vidor's performance 'charming and convincing.' The New York Times highlighted the film's 'unusual setting and dramatic situations.' Modern critics view the film as a competent but typical example of mid-1920s romantic melodrama, with particular appreciation for Wellman's dynamic direction and the technical achievement of the underwater sequence. The film is generally regarded as a stepping stone in Wellman's development as a director before his breakthrough with 'Wings.'

What Audiences Thought

The film received moderate success at the box office, particularly appealing to fans of romantic dramas and exotic settings. Audiences of the era responded positively to the film's thrilling sequences, especially the underwater escape and knife-throwing finale. The chemistry between Clive Brook and Florence Vidor was noted as a particular draw for moviegoers. While not a blockbuster hit, the film performed well enough to be considered a successful production for Paramount Pictures, contributing to the studio's strong 1926 lineup.

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