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A Broadway Scandal

A Broadway Scandal (1918)

Jun 01, 1918 50m Comedy Drama

Having been misinformed that all French girls are morally suspect, American soldier David Kendall (Edwin August) is in for quite a shock when he's shipped Over There. After meeting several "nice" Frenchwomen, David returns to the states with a whole new perspective on things. It isn't long before he falls in love with Nenette (Carmel Myers), the daughter of French-born restaurateur Armande Bisson (Andrew Robson). But when Nenette is implicated in a murder, the disillusioned David instantly repudiates her -- and by extension, all Daughters of France.

Directed by Joseph De Grasse

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Joseph De Grasse

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, A Broadway Scandal 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 Joseph De Grasse 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 A Broadway Scandal took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 50 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 88 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 68 unique compositions.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1918, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While A Broadway Scandal shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Joyland, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Broadway Scandal offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Re-Animator and Afterwards explore similar territory, A Broadway Scandal stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 1, 1918
  • Runtime: 50m

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