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Morals for Men

Morals for Men (1925)

Dec 01, 1925 1h 18m Drama

Joe (Tearle) and Bessie (Ayres), living in sin and just scraping by. Bessie thinks Joe has stolen their meagre savings, so she leaves him and becomes a manicurist eventually marrying a wealthy man who turns out to be stingy and cruel. Joe saves heiress Marion (Mills) from drowning, makes good as a civil engineer and eventually marries her. Joe and Bessie meet again by chance and Joe, in helping her to keep her secret, incurs Marion's jealousy. Bessie, extorted by a former acquaintance in desperation, decides to tell everything to her husband. However, to aid Joe she accuses Wallace (Miljan), with whom Marion is preparing to go away. Finally, Joe and Marion are reconciled, but Bessie learns that the world never forgives a woman who sins even when she has reformed.

Directed by Bernard H. Hyman

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Bernard H. Hyman

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Morals for Men 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 Bernard H. Hyman 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 1925, 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 Morals for Men took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 224 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1925, 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 Morals for Men shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Rabbit Hole, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Morals for Men offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Tin Drum and The Marriage of Maria Braun explore similar territory, Morals for Men 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: December 1, 1925
  • Runtime: 1h 18m

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