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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1931 Vision of Charles Reisner
As we revisit the 1931 masterpiece Stepping Out, we are struck by the atmospheric immersion that Charles Reisner achieves throughout Stepping Out. Exploring the nuances of the human condition with Comedy flair, it solidifies Charles Reisner's reputation as a master of the craft.
In Stepping Out, Charles Reisner pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Charles Reisner's style and the core Comedy narrative.
When Sally (Charlotte Greenwood) and Eve (Leila Hyams) take a vacation together to make their rich husbands miss them, the boys (Reginald Denny and Harry Stubbs) promptly invite over two gold digging actresses (Lilian Bonds and Merna Kennedy) for an after hours "audition." But when the girls return expectedly and catch the lads in the act, they clean out their bank accounts, pick up two lugs (Cliff Edwards and Kane Richmond) and proceed to teach their spouses a lesson. Based on a play by Elmer Harris (Johnny Belinda) and co-adapted by the author himself, Stepping Out stars zany second banana Charlotte Greenwood in a rare, top-billed performance. Renowned for her legendary high-kick, Greenwood performs the long-legged shtick that made her famous as well as a charming duet with fellow vaudevillian Cliff "Ukulele Ike" Edwards, who later gained screen immortality as the voice of Jiminy Cricket.
Decades after its release, Stepping Out remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Charles Reisner's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.