IT (1927) is mostly remembered today as the definitive showcase for actress Clara Bow, an icon of the 1920s whose popularity has grown in recent years. The movie centers around Bow in the role of Betty Lou, a department store worker who sets her sights on her handsome boss, Cyrus Waltham (Antonio Moreno). Meanwhile, Betty Lou's roommate Molly, an unwed mother, has to contend with social workers that want to take the baby away. Betty Lou steps in to help, but this results in complications
Following is my review.
SCRIPT: IT is basically a breezy romantic comedy with a fairly basic plot, but it gives a good showcase for Clara Bow's talents. There are some sticking points with me though: 1) The excess of time given to defining what IT is, and Elinor Glyn's shameless self-promotion during a scene in a restaurant, and 2) the fact that Betty Lou uses poor Monty (William Austin), Waltham's friend, just to get to Cyrus, and then proceeds to steal him from his (admittedly not too bright) girlfriend (Jacqueline Gadsden). Betty comes off as rather manipulative and pushy in some scenes. Still, the movie entertains and it doesn't go on too long, clocking in at a brisk hour and 10 minutes. The attraction between the two leads is believable and the comic relief (and this movie's already a comedy, really) doesn't take up too much time. SCORE: 6/10
ACTING: This is Clara Bow's movie, and she shines, defining IT without words. Her acting is charming and she makes it look easy. Bow displays an effervescent charm throughout, as well as plenty of sass when necessary. It's no wonder she was so popular (and still is). Antonio Moreno gives a good performance as well, charming and suave without being oily. Moreno and Bow show wonderful chemistry. Jacqueline Gadsden plays the seemingly thankless role of the disregarded girlfriend, but she gives a nicely understated performance. I found William Austin (as Monty, Waltham's hapless buddy) a little broad in spots, but he was amusing and likable overall. SCORE: 8/10
CINEMATOGRAPHY/PRODUCTION: IT is a competently produced movie from the tail end of the silent era. There's not a whole lot that stands out but there are some interesting touches here and there, like the dramatic overhead shot at the beginning of the department store and the zoom effect on the pedestrians on the sidewalk (how did they do that back then?) and the shot of Bow and Moreno in a kind of tumbling machine at the amusement park that moves with them rather than just showing them, also very unusual for the time. The editing is fairly well done. SCORE: 7/10
SUMMARY: IT is not a deathless classic, but it does spotlight the charm and talents of Clara Bow. The story is fairly basic, and rather problematic at times, but the performances provide the main interest and keep it entertaining. SCORE: 7/10
SCRIPT: IT is basically a breezy romantic comedy with a fairly basic plot, but it gives a good showcase for Clara Bow's talents. There are some sticking points with me though: 1) The excess of time given to defining what IT is, and Elinor Glyn's shameless self-promotion during a scene in a restaurant, and 2) the fact that Betty Lou uses poor Monty (William Austin), Waltham's friend, just to get to Cyrus, and then proceeds to steal him from his (admittedly not too bright) girlfriend (Jacqueline Gadsden). Betty comes off as rather manipulative and pushy in some scenes. Still, the movie entertains and it doesn't go on too long, clocking in at a brisk hour and 10 minutes. The attraction between the two leads is believable and the comic relief (and this movie's already a comedy, really) doesn't take up too much time. SCORE: 6/10
ACTING: This is Clara Bow's movie, and she shines, defining IT without words. Her acting is charming and she makes it look easy. Bow displays an effervescent charm throughout, as well as plenty of sass when necessary. It's no wonder she was so popular (and still is). Antonio Moreno gives a good performance as well, charming and suave without being oily. Moreno and Bow show wonderful chemistry. Jacqueline Gadsden plays the seemingly thankless role of the disregarded girlfriend, but she gives a nicely understated performance. I found William Austin (as Monty, Waltham's hapless buddy) a little broad in spots, but he was amusing and likable overall. SCORE: 8/10
CINEMATOGRAPHY/PRODUCTION: IT is a competently produced movie from the tail end of the silent era. There's not a whole lot that stands out but there are some interesting touches here and there, like the dramatic overhead shot at the beginning of the department store and the zoom effect on the pedestrians on the sidewalk (how did they do that back then?) and the shot of Bow and Moreno in a kind of tumbling machine at the amusement park that moves with them rather than just showing them, also very unusual for the time. The editing is fairly well done. SCORE: 7/10
SUMMARY: IT is not a deathless classic, but it does spotlight the charm and talents of Clara Bow. The story is fairly basic, and rather problematic at times, but the performances provide the main interest and keep it entertaining. SCORE: 7/10