SCARLET DAYS (1919) -- Richard Barthelmess, dir. by D. W. Griffith

SCARLET DAYS (1919)
Starring: Richard Barthelmess, Carol Dempster, Clarine Seymour, Ralph Graves, Walter Long, Kate Bruce
Produced and Directed by D. W. Griffith
Note. A music track had to be removed for (alleged) copyright problem. Sound for the film consequently does not start until 16:00 into the movie.
William Thomas Sherman, [e-mail], www.angelfire.c...

[@localmanmark1]

Many thanks for keeping the memory of my Great Aunt (Clarine Seymour) alive. It is such a joy to see her films preserved for all to enjoy. Many Thanks.

[@Mannock]

When I was younger, I hoped to see Ms Seymour's films, knowing that it was impossible. But KZbin has this film, thanks to Mr. Sherman and The Idol Dancer. She is as great as I hoped. Then again, there is the sadness there too. Thank you, Mark, for sharing.

[@theresaholguin699]

Very good movie. Great actors as well.

[@achillespapakon]

Thank you very much for uploading this film. I wish the quality was better, but we can't ask for too much. This film was made by Griffith a few months after his masterpiece, Broken Blossoms, but there aren't many similarities. Here, the plot is rather overcharged and, even though Griffith is by 1919 able to control his material like a true auteur, however the numerous characters and subplots result in making the film less engaging. Dempster could never equal Miss Gish, but Seymour was charming.

[@marktyner1388]

Thanks Mr. Sherman, I enjoy the film and your well written observations. ...

[@WmThomasSherman]

Comparing "Broken Blossoms" with "Scarlet Days" is comparing oranges and apples. Of course, the first is easily the all-around, more finished film. But "Scarlet Days," though rambling and its plot inchoate, in its overall parts is delicious as American nostalgia based on authentic late 19th century history, and the film then is definitely behind (instead of "ahead of") its time in a GOOD sense (again, as nostalgia.)

[@elchoya100]

i read somewhere that rudolph valentino tried out for this part but d.w griffith said he was too foreign looking and the ladies would never go for him so he went with the american richard barthlemess.

[@TheVirajster]

Not the usual Griffith fare...a forgotten piece. Doesn't have much(if any)of Griffith's touches. All geniuses deserve to make a few 'wrong turns'......

[@achillespapakon]

Still, from the other films that Griffith made in 1919 and I've been fortunate enough to watch, this one really stands out by being more ambitious, than the simple bucolic romances, like The Greatest Question or True Heart Susie. Even Broken Blossoms is a "smaller" film. However, I honestly believe that if Lillian Gish had been here instead of Dempster, the final film would have been a-lovely.

[@WmThomasSherman]

Well, I'm ornery that way. ;)

[@nitrateglow]

Too many intertitles, but at least Barthelmess and Seymour are cute.

[@WmThomasSherman]

...while panning this film's demerits is not without its justification, you take it too far and sound like one who cares more about winning people's affected academic ideas about film than you know about the pleasures of a good movie. Again, yes, the film is flawed, particularly in the presentation of the mother daughter relationship but it is amusing as history and nostalgia, and in many ways gives an authentic portrayal of long gone, West Coast culture. Not all GOOD films need to be HIGH art.

[@TheVirajster]

...you're taking it too personal. I did NOT say it was bad;just not the old Griffith....