Cast
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Eleanor Boardman
as Miss Remember Steddon
Frank Mayo
as Tom Holby
Richard Dix
as Frank Claymore
Mae Busch
as Robina Teele
Barbara La Marr
as Leva Lemaire
Lew Cody
as Owen Scudder
Forrest Robinson
as Rev. John Steddon
Edith Yorke
as Mrs. Steddon
Snitz Edwards
as Komical Kale - the Klown
William Haines
as Pinkey - Assistant Director
Dale Fuller
as Abigail Tweedy - Singer
Erich von Stroheim
as Self - Celebrity Director
Jean Hersholt
as Self - Celebrity Actor
Charlie Chaplin
as Self - Celebrity Director
Fred Niblo
as Self - Celebrity Director
Crew
Director
- Rupert Hughes
Producer
- Rupert Hughes
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Souls for Sale 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 Rupert Hughes 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 1923, 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 Souls for Sale took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 40 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1618 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1923, 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 Souls for Sale shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: Light That Gathers, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Souls for Sale subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: Life That Burns and Trilby and Little Billee explore similar territory, Souls for Sale stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 22, 1923
- Runtime: 1h 30m
