Change Before Going Productions is a channel on Youtube for hardcore fans of silent movies. Every item, I have seen on this channel was without any sound. This can be hard, but it is, of course, also a question of getting used to it. However, even in silent tines, films were never performed in silence.But sometimes we have to join the purists.
William Desmond Taylor is an interesting historical figure, as the causes of his death were never solved. He became thus a main protagonist of Hollywood Babylon. Historians say, that his output has been neglected, without justification.
I never heard of Taylor, let alone seen any of his films. The Soul Soul of Youth is somewhat sentimental social drama. Ed is an unwanted child. His mother sells the baby to Maggie. She is the mistress of Pete Morano, a corrupt politician. Maggie tries to make him believe that he is the father of the boy. As Moranao does not accept the lie, Ed is transferred to an orphanage. - Ed has a loveless childhood. Later he flees from the orphanage. He steals food from the household of the Hamiltons. They see a potential in him and try to give him a chance in life. With the help of Ed, Hamilton can silent Moreno, his opponent for the run of the post of he mayor.
Yes, the script is the major problem of this film. The style is erratic and filled with plot holes. Another problem is the preachy tone of the tale. But nevertheless. the film is still very watchable. There is first of all the dynamic editing and - which was new for me - the proper dynamics of the intertitles which give this film a narrative drive that is enjoyable even today.
8/10
William Desmond Taylor is an interesting historical figure, as the causes of his death were never solved. He became thus a main protagonist of Hollywood Babylon. Historians say, that his output has been neglected, without justification.
I never heard of Taylor, let alone seen any of his films. The Soul Soul of Youth is somewhat sentimental social drama. Ed is an unwanted child. His mother sells the baby to Maggie. She is the mistress of Pete Morano, a corrupt politician. Maggie tries to make him believe that he is the father of the boy. As Moranao does not accept the lie, Ed is transferred to an orphanage. - Ed has a loveless childhood. Later he flees from the orphanage. He steals food from the household of the Hamiltons. They see a potential in him and try to give him a chance in life. With the help of Ed, Hamilton can silent Moreno, his opponent for the run of the post of he mayor.
Yes, the script is the major problem of this film. The style is erratic and filled with plot holes. Another problem is the preachy tone of the tale. But nevertheless. the film is still very watchable. There is first of all the dynamic editing and - which was new for me - the proper dynamics of the intertitles which give this film a narrative drive that is enjoyable even today.
8/10
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