The Deadlier Sex

The Deadlier Sex is a 1920 American silent comedy film directed by Robert Thornby which stars Blanche Sweet and features Boris Karloff, and was distributed by Pathé Exchange.[1]

The Deadlier Sex
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Directed byRobert Thornby
Produced byJesse D. Hampton
Story byFred Myton
Bayard Veiller (play)
StarringBlanche Sweet
Winter Hall
CinematographyCharles E. Kaufman
Production
company
Jesse D. Hampton Productions
Distributed byPathé Exchange
Release date
  • March 28, 1920 (1920-03-28)
Running time
6 reels (60 minutes)
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

Plot

Based upon a review in a film publication,[2] Mary Willard (Sweet), who has taken control of her father's interests after his death, has become so exasperated at the unscrupulous business practices of Harvey Judson (Hamilton) that she has him kidnapped to teach him a lesson and protect her shareholders against him.

When Harvey wakes up in the forest, he initially believes that robbery was the motive until he discovers that no money was taken. He tries to bribe his guide to take him to the nearest settlement but to no avail, and, after two fist fights with a Frenchman (Karloff?) who is also in love with Mary, eventually comes up with a scheme which leads to his discovery by his friends.

When Harvey finds that Mary was the cause of this, they argue and he accuses her of trying to ruin him. While on the way to the nearest train station they have an automobile crash that nearly kills them. At the station, after they are told that the government has seized their property, Mary and Harvey decide to work together in the future.

Cast

Reception

While the outdoor scenes were appreciated and the cast described as strong, the story was criticized as being illogical and the characters undeveloped.[2]

Preservation status

The Deadlier Sex was preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2014.[3] The restored print was shown on June 1, 2015 at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.

See also

References
  1. "Progressive Silent Film List: The Deadlier Sex". silentera.com. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  2. "The Deadlier Sex: Illogical Story Lacking in Many Points". Motion Picture News. New York City: Motion Picture News, Inc. 21 (14): 2991. March 27, 1920. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  3. "Preserved Projects". Academy Film Archive.
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