Cast
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Ramon Novarro
as Dick Randall
Harriet Hammond
as Patricia Lawrence
Wesley Barry
as Ted Lawrence
Margaret Seddon
as Mrs. Randall
Crauford Kent
as Basil Courtney
Joan Crawford
as Extra - Driver of Police Car (uncredited)
Harold Goodwin
as Tex
William Boyd
as Spud
Pauline Key
as Rita
Maurice Ryan
as Fat
Crew
Director
- Christy Cabanne
Writer
- F. McGrew Willis
Reviews
CinemaSerf
It maybe goes on too long, this - but it's still quite a fun opportunity for Ramon Novarro to ooze charisma as a young trainee at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. The plot offers us the usual fayre - he falls in love with a gal (Harriet Hammond) but must vie for her attentions with her wealthy fiancée "Basil" (Crauford Kent) who is not going to give up his flame lightly... What ensues includes some light-hearted manoeuvring between the two men and some good old fashioned envy over a dance card at a ball (featuring an all-to-vivid image of his pal "Ted" (Wesley Barry) in a frock!) - all as the gently comedic story flows along without effort. It really is a film for fans of the occasionally scantily clad Novarro - he even manages a bit of precisely staged fisticuffs! I could swear that I spotted a brief glimpse of Joan Crawford (she'd have been 21) but there is no sign of her name on screen in the credits. It's a flighty piece of star-driven cinema, but if you are fond of the star (and his looks) and some mindless romance with a tiny bit of testosterone thrown in, then there are tougher ways to spend 80 minutes...
Jun 6, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Midshipman 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 Christy Cabanne 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 The Midshipman took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 114 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1925, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- 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 Midshipman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mistress of a Foreigner, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Midshipman offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Woman Gives and The Arab explore similar territory, The Midshipman 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: October 4, 1925
- Runtime: 1h 20m
