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The Car of Chance

The Car of Chance (1917)

Jul 09, 1917 50m Comedy Drama

In his will, Mr. Baird leaves his son Arnold just one seven-passenger auto and a hundred dollars to keep it filled up and in good repair. When James Bennett hears of this, he insists that Baird do something to make his fortune before he can marry his daughter Ruth. Bennett begins by using the car to start a jitney-bus line. This is not terribly impressive to Bennett -- who owns a trolley company -- and he decides he would rather see Ruth married to his controller, William Mott-Smith.

Directed by William Worthington

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • William Worthington

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Car of Chance 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 William Worthington 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 1917, 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 Car of Chance took approximately 25 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 109 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 973 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1917, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • 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 The Car of Chance shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Fair and Warmer, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Car of Chance subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Land of Storms and Christina explore similar territory, The Car of Chance 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: July 9, 1917
  • Runtime: 50m