The Painted Lady (1912)

13 mins | Drama | 24 October 1912

Director:

D. W. Griffith

Cinematographer:

G. W. Bitzer

Production Company:

Biograph Co.
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HISTORY

Although she played the older sister, Blanche Sweet was only sixteen years old. Her "younger" sister, British actress Madge Kirby, was in her late twenties.
       The 9 November 1912 Moving Picture World ran the following review: “Miss Blanche Sweet's portrayal of a mad girl in this picture seems to reach a higher plane of art than any of her previous characterizations, and she has done good work in many diverse roles. The film presents a psychological study of character dramatically, and gives a fresh criticism of life. The subtlety of it makes it a hard picture to comment on; one hesitates as before jumping into a very deep pool. But very crudely we may say that it draws for us a not very well balanced girl. She is somewhat morbidly conscientious and, consequently, not popular; but the humanity of her heart, as shown by her longing for friends, her longing to be understood, makes us deeply interested in her. Very logical is her reaching out to her new friend, her first sweetheart, and since he is what he is, a tragedy of some sort is imminent. The suddenness with which it comes shatters her mind. It is a picture that most certainly ought to be liked. No mechanically working mind could possibly have conceived it and we commend it as a work of art. A strong offering.”
       The Painted Lady is extant and widely available. ...

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Although she played the older sister, Blanche Sweet was only sixteen years old. Her "younger" sister, British actress Madge Kirby, was in her late twenties.
       The 9 November 1912 Moving Picture World ran the following review: “Miss Blanche Sweet's portrayal of a mad girl in this picture seems to reach a higher plane of art than any of her previous characterizations, and she has done good work in many diverse roles. The film presents a psychological study of character dramatically, and gives a fresh criticism of life. The subtlety of it makes it a hard picture to comment on; one hesitates as before jumping into a very deep pool. But very crudely we may say that it draws for us a not very well balanced girl. She is somewhat morbidly conscientious and, consequently, not popular; but the humanity of her heart, as shown by her longing for friends, her longing to be understood, makes us deeply interested in her. Very logical is her reaching out to her new friend, her first sweetheart, and since he is what he is, a tragedy of some sort is imminent. The suddenness with which it comes shatters her mind. It is a picture that most certainly ought to be liked. No mechanically working mind could possibly have conceived it and we commend it as a work of art. A strong offering.”
       The Painted Lady is extant and widely available.

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GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS
SOURCE CITATIONS
SOURCE
DATE
PAGE
Motography
26 Oct 1912
p. 343
Moving Picture News
26 Oct 1912
p. 26
Moving Picture World
19 Oct 1912
p. 272
Moving Picture World
9 Nov 1912
p. 552
DETAILS
Release Date:
24 October 1912
Production Date:

Physical Properties:
Silent
Black and White
Duration(in mins):
13
Length(in feet):
1,000
Length(in reels):
1
Country:
United States
Language:
English
SYNOPSIS

“The elder daughter has always been her father's favorite because of her strict adherence to his rigid precepts. The younger daughter is rather gay and frivolous, though innocently so, and horrifies her elder sister when the latter catches her in the act of powdering and painting her face. To the mild reprimand of the elder daughter, the younger exclaims, 'Well, you have to do it if you want to be attractive.' The strength of the assertion is proven at the church lawn festival, the younger sister being surrounded by a host of friends while the elder passes the time in almost absolute ostracism. However, a stranger appears at the festival who pretends to be attracted by the elder daughter, she, in turn, being surprised and flattered. This is for a sinister purpose, however, for the stranger is a crook. Under the pretense of affection for the girl, he gains her confidence regarding her father's business affairs, and with the knowledge he has acquired, he attempts to rob the house. This attempt works disaster for himself and the girl.”—26 October 1912 Moving Picture News ...

More Less

“The elder daughter has always been her father's favorite because of her strict adherence to his rigid precepts. The younger daughter is rather gay and frivolous, though innocently so, and horrifies her elder sister when the latter catches her in the act of powdering and painting her face. To the mild reprimand of the elder daughter, the younger exclaims, 'Well, you have to do it if you want to be attractive.' The strength of the assertion is proven at the church lawn festival, the younger sister being surrounded by a host of friends while the elder passes the time in almost absolute ostracism. However, a stranger appears at the festival who pretends to be attracted by the elder daughter, she, in turn, being surprised and flattered. This is for a sinister purpose, however, for the stranger is a crook. Under the pretense of affection for the girl, he gains her confidence regarding her father's business affairs, and with the knowledge he has acquired, he attempts to rob the house. This attempt works disaster for himself and the girl.”—26 October 1912 Moving Picture News

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Legend
Viewed by AFI
Partially Viewed
Offscreen Credit
Name Occurs Before Title
AFI Life Achievement Award

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