Summary
In an era grappling with evolving notions of masculinity and the burgeoning field of psychological inquiry, 'Brace Up' unfolds as a compelling, if occasionally perplexing, exploration of courage and identity. Colonel Court, a figure emblematic of traditional, stoic heroism within the clandestine world of the Secret Service, finds himself increasingly disquieted by the perceived moral failings of his son, Henry. A college athlete, Henry's occasional, glaring lapses in fortitude present a stark contrast to his father's rugged expectations, hinting at a deeper, internal conflict. Unbeknownst to the Colonel, his son's romantic entanglement, Ellen, is herself a clandestine operative, navigating the treacherous waters of international espionage as she pursues the enigmatic radium smuggler, 'National' Jim. In a paternalistic, albeit misguided, attempt to forge his son's character, Court thrusts Henry into the very crucible of Ellen's assignment. Yet, under the immense pressure of real-world danger, Henry's inherent timidity resurfaces, threatening to unravel the mission. Driven to desperation and eschewing conventional methods, Henry embarks upon an audacious, almost mystical, experiment: he enlists three individuals to psychically transmit 'power and courage' through intense, focused concentration. This unorthodox, proto-psychological intervention remarkably yields results, empowering Henry to finally confront 'National' Jim, engage him in a decisive struggle, unearth the illicit radium, and secure Ellen's safety, thereby validating his peculiar journey toward self-actualization.
Synopsis
Colonel Court, an agent in the Secret Service, is distressed by the occasional lapses of courage in his son Henry, a college athlete. Unknown to him, Henry's sweetheart Ellen is also an agent working on a case involving a radium smuggler, "National" Jim. To build his son's character, Court puts him on the same case that Ellen has been assigned to, but his courage again fails him. Henry decides to turn to the powers of the psyche and hires three men to communicate power and courage to him through intense concentration. The scheme works: Henry enters Jim's house in time to defeat him in a fight, locate the hidden radium and save Ellen.
Review Excerpt
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Stepping back into the annals of early cinema, one often encounters narratives that, while seemingly straightforward on the surface, reveal layers of fascinating societal anxieties, burgeoning psychological theories, and the nascent art of storytelling. Elmer Clifton's 1918 silent film, Brace Up, is precisely such a cinematic artifact. It’s a film that, at first glance, presents itself as a thrilling espionage yarn, but beneath its surface, it grapples with profound questions of ma..."
