This first version of the hit play SMILIN' THROUGH was a huge hit in its day. Norma Talmadge was one of the greatest stars of her generation, though she quickly became forgotten and is more often remembered as a footnote now, either in the biographies of more well-remembered stars (Buster Keaton was her brother-in-law) or as possible inspirations for later works (Norma Desmond, the delusional silent movie queen in SUNSET BLVD, was allegedly named after Talmadge). Unfortunately, very little of her work is available for public consumption, leaving her ever more mired in obscurity.
A few of these movies are available online nowadays though. While not my favorite silent actress, Talmadge certainly took on a variety of projects and her work is certainly competent. SMILIN' THROUGH is a decent vehicle for her, allowing her to play the defiant Kathleen and the ethereal Moonyeen. The story is an old-fashioned weepie with a touch of the spiritualism that was in vogue during WWI. Cinema-wise, this production is plagued with numerous and very lengthy intertitles, as well as a lack of interesting camerawork. Still, it's a decent, sweet movie and not a bad way to spend 85 minutes. If you liked either version of THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE, this has a similar vibe.
