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Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1917 Vision of George Fitzmaurice
As we revisit the 1917 masterpiece Kick In, we are struck by the meticulous attention to detail that George Fitzmaurice applied to every frame. Anchored by a narrative that is both personal and universal, it bridges the gap between traditional cult and contemporary vision.
In Kick In, George Fitzmaurice 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.
In this work, George Fitzmaurice explores the intersection of cult and United States cultural identity. The meticulous attention to detail suggests a deep-seated commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium, ensuring that Kick In remains a relevant topic of study for cult enthusiasts.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of George Fitzmaurice's style and the core cult narrative.
"Chick" Hewes, a street urchin of the East Side, and his pal, Benny, following their early teachings, become crook gangsters. The police pursue them during a bold robbery; Benny is caught and Chick takes refuge in Molly Carey's flat above the crooks' quarters. Finally trapped, "Chick" is "sent up" and Molly's promise to wait for him is the one ray of sunshine in his gloomy existence. Given freedom and a chance, Chick happily married to Molly, leads the straight and narrow path. Back to his old tricks, Benny, wounded in a necklace robbery, eludes the police with his loot and makes his way to his former pal's flat. Although realizing the danger to his home, Chick, for the sake of his boyhood pal, conceals Benny in the attic, but without a doctor's care the wound proves fatal. With the help of his old pals, the body is disposed of, but the police suspect and watch Chick's flat constantly. Later, to his surprise, Chick discovers that Molly's brother, a drug victim, had, unobserved, taken the stolen necklace from the wounded Benny. They decide to tell the authorities, but before they have an opportunity, Molly's brother is arrested. Trying to square things, Chick is double crossed by a detective, who tries to arrest him for the robbery, but is prevented by Molly's quick action. While on their way to make a clean breast of everything a police official, disguised as a chauffeur, ensnares and takes them to police headquarters. Faced with the seriousness of the penalty, Chick asks for leniency for Molly, about to become a mother. The chief, having the necklace and realizing what conviction means, is softened by the news that he himself is the father of a baby boy and for the sake of the young couple's happiness, he releases them.
Decades after its release, Kick In remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying George Fitzmaurice's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.