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Cult Review
Senior Film Conservator
Okay, so Geraldine. This one's for a particular kind of movie watcher, no doubt. If you're a silent film enthusiast, or just curious about early Hollywood takes on the 'ugly duckling' trope, you might find something quite sweet and charming here. Otherwise, if you're expecting fast pacing or big drama, well, this film probably isn't for you. You might find it a bit slow going.
The setup is pretty classic: Mr. Wygate, a businessman with new money, decides his daughter Geraldine needs some refinement. She's a good kid, but a bit rough around the edges, you know?
Enter Eddie Able, played by Eddie Quillan. He’s hired to teach Geraldine how to be a proper lady. Quillan brings this genuine, earnest energy to Eddie. You can see right away he’s got a good heart.
And naturally, Eddie falls for Geraldine. It's almost immediate. But she, of course, has eyes only for Bellsworth Cameron, a fancy lawyer about town. He’s the slick, well-dressed type.
Geraldine, portrayed by Marian Nixon, barely notices Eddie at first. She's totally swept up in the idea of Cameron. That feels pretty true to life, doesn't it? The way we often miss what’s right there.
A good chunk of the film focuses on Eddie's quiet, almost heartbreaking efforts to mold Geraldine. He teaches her how to walk, how to hold a fan, all these little social graces. He's making her 'perfect' for another man.
You can practically feel his quiet ache in these scenes. It’s not overtly dramatic, just a subtle sadness in his eyes. He’s doing what he thinks is best for her.
And yeah, the plan works. Cameron eventually starts paying attention to Geraldine. She transforms into this elegant socialite. But you can tell, even then, Cameron is a bit of a… well, a cad.
The turning point, the big one, happens at a speakeasy. Geraldine gets caught up in a police raid. It's a bit chaotic, and maybe a little rushed in how it plays out, but it definitely moves the story along.
Cameron, the supposed ideal suitor, just leaves her there. High and dry. What a guy. He shows his true colors pretty fast.
And who comes to her rescue? Our Eddie, of course. It's a classic moment, but it lands because you’ve been rooting for Quillan's character all along. The relief on Geraldine's face when she sees him, not Cameron, is a nice touch.
Albert Gran as Mr. Wygate, the dad, does a solid job too. He’s gruff, but you can tell he genuinely wants the best for his daughter. Even if his methods are a bit misguided.
There are these small moments. Like Geraldine initially rolling her eyes at Eddie's lessons. It makes her feel more like a real, slightly spoiled young woman, rather than just a plot device.
The film isn't trying for anything profound, honestly. It’s a simple story about looking past appearances and finding love where you might least expect it. Or, maybe, where it should have been all along.
It’s not a masterpiece, not by a long shot. Some parts do drag a little, and you can definitely guess the ending pretty early on. But for a film from its era, it tells a sweet story without too much fuss. A perfectly pleasant watch if you’re in the mood for something gentle and a little old-fashioned.
IMDb 6.3
1924
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