The reason to "Call Her Savage" is made clear, in a well-produced opening. Clara Bow (as Nasa Springer) was born unto generations of sinners. Her grandfather committed adultery, and was cursed by God-fearing cowboys. Her mother carried on the family tradition by carrying on with a handsome Native American Indian. Without showing the actual sex, the film suggests Bow was fathered by the "savage" Indian. Due to her family's wickedness, God damns Bow, because, "I am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon their children."
Bow makes a grandiose entry into the film; she takes a wild ride, straddling a horse, to a scene wherein she whips both a snake, and "half-breed" Gilbert Roland (as Moonglow). Whipping the snake (symbolizing Satan?) shows her good side, but she cannot understand her "savage" nature. Thus, Bow's cursed life is filled with melodramatic tragedy.
After a (relative to the time, but not really) short absence from the screen, this was considered a "comeback" vehicle for Bow. It was a tawdry, exploitive, offensive, and unsuccessful attempt; although, Bow is entertaining, and continued to prove herself a capable actress. After a more focused attempt at a characterization, the career-ending "Hoop-la", Bow would retire. At least, she left showing she would have been capable of continuing on, had the material been more worthy.
Today, the preposterous premise of "Call Her Savage", and its outmoded luridness, may unintentionally amuse. Bow's performance is quite good, considering the ludicrous situation. A couple of effeminate homosexuals entertain Bow and courtly Anthony Jowitt (as Jay Randall) in a New York diner. You won't believe God's wrath on prostitution. Presumably, Bow's cursed existence is ended with revelation, and acceptance of her lot in life.
******* Call Her Savage (11/24/32) John Francis Dillon ~ Clara Bow, Gilbert Roland, Thelma Todd
Bow makes a grandiose entry into the film; she takes a wild ride, straddling a horse, to a scene wherein she whips both a snake, and "half-breed" Gilbert Roland (as Moonglow). Whipping the snake (symbolizing Satan?) shows her good side, but she cannot understand her "savage" nature. Thus, Bow's cursed life is filled with melodramatic tragedy.
After a (relative to the time, but not really) short absence from the screen, this was considered a "comeback" vehicle for Bow. It was a tawdry, exploitive, offensive, and unsuccessful attempt; although, Bow is entertaining, and continued to prove herself a capable actress. After a more focused attempt at a characterization, the career-ending "Hoop-la", Bow would retire. At least, she left showing she would have been capable of continuing on, had the material been more worthy.
Today, the preposterous premise of "Call Her Savage", and its outmoded luridness, may unintentionally amuse. Bow's performance is quite good, considering the ludicrous situation. A couple of effeminate homosexuals entertain Bow and courtly Anthony Jowitt (as Jay Randall) in a New York diner. You won't believe God's wrath on prostitution. Presumably, Bow's cursed existence is ended with revelation, and acceptance of her lot in life.
******* Call Her Savage (11/24/32) John Francis Dillon ~ Clara Bow, Gilbert Roland, Thelma Todd