What Every Woman Knows (1921 film)

What Every Woman Knows

Newspaper ad for film with Conrad Nagel and Lillian Tucker, at the Jest-a-Mere Theatre
Directed by William C. deMille
Produced by Adolph Zukor
Jesse Lasky
Written by Olga Printzlau (scenario)
Based on What Every Woman Knows (play)
by James Barrie
Starring Lois Wilson
Conrad Nagel
Cinematography L. Guy Wilky
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates
  • April 24, 1924 (1924-04-24)
Running time
 7 reels, 6,772 feet
Country United States
Language Silent (English intertitles)

What Every Woman Knows is a 1921 American silent comedy-drama film adapted form the play What Every Woman Knows by James Barrie. The play had premiered on Broadway in 1908 and was a hit starring Maude Adams.[1] A British silent film version had been made in 1917 and a later American talkie would be produced in 1934 with Helen Hayes. This silent film version was directed by William C. deMille continuing his forte at adapting literary and/or stage plays to the silent screen. The film stars Lois Wilson and Conrad Nagel. This version is now lost.[2]

Plot

Based on a summary in a film publication,[3] Maggie Wylie's (Wilson) father agrees to give John Shand $300 to help him secure his education and political ambitions on condition that Maggie have the option of marrying him within five years. By doing so the elder Wylie is giving the 27-year-old miss the chance for the romance she longs for and at the same time helping an ambitious young man. Shand agrees and within the allotted time is elected to Parliament. Maggie realizes that John does not love her, but he insists "a bargain is a bargain" and so they are married. John becomes very popular and is promised promotion through his excellent speeches, which are written mostly by Maggie although John takes credit. Eventually he falls in love with Lady Sybil (Tucker) and, although heartbroken, Maggie diplomatically arranges for John and Sybil to be together. John's next speech is a failure, but Maggie arrives in time with a new one. Lady Sybil tells John that he bores her and leaves. Gradually John comes to see Maggie's true worth and there is a reconciliation.

Cast

References

  1. ↑ What Every Woman Knows as produced on Broadway in a 1908 Premiere and several later revivals; IBDb.com
  2. ↑ Progressive Silent Film List: What Every Woman Knows at silentera.com
  3. ↑ "What Every Woman Knows: Thoroughly Appropriate Production But Barrie Humor Is Lacking". Film Daily. New York City: Wyd's Films and Film Folks, Inc. 15 (61): 16. Mar 6, 1921. Retrieved 2014-03-14.
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