Cast
View All
June Elvidge
as Mrs. Maria Reynolds
Carlyle Blackwell
as Alexander Hamilton
Arthur Ashley
as Aaron Burr
Carl Gerard
as James Reynolds
Evelyn Greeley
as Margaret Moncrieffe
Lionel Belmore
as Gen. Israel Putnam
George MacQuarrie
as George Washington
Rose Tapley
as Martha Washington
Al Hart
as Thomas Jefferson
Alec B. Francis
as Gen. Philip Schuyler
Jack Drumier
as John Adams
Marguerite Gale
as Mrs. William Bingham
Herbert Barrington
as Mr. Pendleton
Hubert Wilke
as Jacob Clingman
Pinna Nesbit
as Mrs. Alexander Hamilton
Crew
Director
- Arthur Ashley
Writer
- S.M. Weller
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Beautiful Mrs. Reynolds examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Arthur Ashley brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1918, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Beautiful Mrs. Reynolds took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1863 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1918, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Beautiful Mrs. Reynolds shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Striptease, which focuses more on action than character development, The Beautiful Mrs. Reynolds offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Good Girl and The Ref explore similar territory, The Beautiful Mrs. Reynolds stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 21, 1918
- Runtime: 1h
