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The Saintly Sinner

The Saintly Sinner (1917)

Feb 26, 1917 50m Crime Drama

When her father goes broke in the stock market, Jane Lee is forced to leave her prestigious boarding school. Glad-handing John Brock, an old friend of Jane's father, arranges for the girl to be hired as his stenographer. But Brock's lecherous ulterior motives become obvious when he locks Jane in the office and tries to rape her. When she manages to escape his advances, Brock vengefully frames the girl on a robbery charge.

Directed by Raymond Wells

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Raymond Wells

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Saintly Sinner 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 Raymond Wells 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 Saintly Sinner took approximately 31 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 72 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 329 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.

Historical Context

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

Unlike Tarnish, which focuses more on action than character development, The Saintly Sinner offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Rescue and Penny of Top Hill Trail explore similar territory, The Saintly Sinner stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: February 26, 1917
  • Runtime: 50m