The Woman of Bronze (1923) Samuel Zierler Photoplay Corp. Distributor: Metro Pictures. Producer: Harry Garson. Director: King Vidor. Adaptation/Scenario: Hope Loring, Louis Duryea Lighton. Camera: L. William O'Connell. Cast: Clara Kimball Young, John Bowers, Kathryn McGuire, Edwin Stephens, Lloyd Whitlock, Edward Kimball. 6 reels. This film is apparently LOST
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"The Woman of Bronze"
Drama of Great Emotional Power Screened by Metro for Clara Kimball Young
Reviewed by Mary Kelly
Henry Kistaemaecher's emotional drama has been effectively screened by Metro with Clara Kimball Young in the stellar part. While the film version may seem more stereotyped than the stage play, it is nevertheless stirring. It successfully sustains interest to the climax, an intensely dramatic moment.
In projecting Clara Kimball Young's personality, the production weakens somewhat in other respects. The effect is that an unnecessary burden has been placed on her. Subordinate members of the cast who really have important roles are inartistically subdued. The result is that some of the big emotional scenes--and there are many--are narrowed to make her more striking. This, in addition to her tendency to overact, has a detrimental, though by no means entirely destructive effect upon the drama. Much of her performance is pleasing. At times she seems to have vividly realized the magnificent character of Vivian Hunt.
The picture should have a strong appeal for women. The story of the artist who forgets his wife in an infatuation for his model, and after continued failure and unhappiness, wants his wife back again, is one that will win the ardent sympathy of most women patrons. Attractive studio sets and a pleasing scenic equipment generally is another favorable angle. Lloyd Whitlock is a good type, physically, for the artist. John Bowers' enthusiastic ability shines through an obscured pat and Katherine McGuire makes Sylvia Morton, the model, seem as insubstantial as she really was.
Where heavy emotional dramas of married life draw, "The Woman of Bronze" should be a distinct success.
Cast:
| Vivian Hunt | Clara Kimball Young |
| Paddy Miles | John Bowers |
| Sylvia Morton | Katherine McGuire |
| Reggie Morton | Edwin Stevens |
| Leonard Hunt | Lloyd Whitlock |
| "Papa" Bonelli | Edward Kimball |
Story: Leonard Hunt, furious because of his inability to work and frenzied by his infatuation for Sylvia, his model, smashes his giant Victory memorial statue, which mocks him in its soullessness. Later, he sees the soul that he missed in the face of his wife. But her love has been chilled by his illicit affair. The extraordinary power with which she meets this situation brings a stirring climax.
The Woman of Bronze
(Clara Kimball Young--Metro--5,643 Feet)
M.P.W.--Where heavy emotional dramas of married life draw, should be a distinct success.
E.H.--A poorly-made version of the stage success . . . While interesting in parts it does not convince, nor win one's sympathy.
F.D. Eternal triangle theme that creates splendid sympathy for the faithful wife; well made picture.
N.--It should prove to be fairly satisfying. Feminine audiences should like it.
T.R.--Represents strong domestic drama at its best, offers excellent entertainment for adult audience.
November 10, 1923
WOMAN OF BRONZE (5,643 feet). Star, Clara Kimball Young. A good heavy drama. Clara is getting old but she's still good, although she overdoes the emotional scenes in several places. Regular advertising gave fair attendance. Draw rural and town class, small town of 286. Admission 10-25. R.K. Russell, Legion Theatre (136 seats), Cushing, Iowa.
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THE WOMAN OF BRONZE--Metro
Clara Kimball Young falls short of the standard set by Margaret Anglin in the play from which this motion picture was evolved. But, at that, she makes real the part of Vivian Hunt, the wife who after disillusionment and anguish proves to be the ideal woman for whom her husband has been searching. John Bowers, Lloyd Whitlock and Katherine McGuire are in the cast.
THE WOMAN OF BRONZE--METRO
The eternal triangle in its most obvious form comes to light in this adaptation of Margaret Anglin's stage play of three seasons ago. It serves to introduce Clara Kimball Young as the long suffering wife of a tempermental artist who neglects his talent for modeling the prize-winning piece of sculpture to play at unholy love with his model. In a fit of dejection he hammers the clay to pieces. An obvious note, this--one which as been used far too often on the screen. Indeed it is rare to find a story concerning an artist who doesn't at some time before the end is reached slash his painting or destroy a design upon which he is working. In this instance the patient wife wins back her erring spouse's affection and thru her inspiration the stature is completed. A hackneyed story embellished with fitting atmosphere. King Vidor wo directed, should turn to the thing which he does best--the human document. Miss Young is mostly ornamental, for such a play needs the emphasis of the voice to do it justice. Fair entertainment.
Last revised July 7, 2005