Blind Youth

Blind Youth
Blind Youth
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Directed by	Edward Sloman
Written by	Frank W. Jamison; (art titles); Katherine S. Reed
Based on	Blind Youth (play); by Lou Tellegen and Willard Mack
Produced by	Lewis J. Selznick
Starring	Walter McGrail; Leatrice Joy; Claire McDowell
Cinematography	Max Dupont
Production; company	National Picture Theaters
Distributed by	Select Pictures
Release date	March 1920;
Running time	60 min.
Country	United States
Language	Silent (English intertitles)

Blind Youth is a 1920 American silent drama film directed by Edward Sloman and starring Walter McGrail, Leatrice Joy, and Claire McDowell. It was based upon the play of the same name by Lou Tellegen and Willard Mack.^[1] It is not known whether the film currently survives.^[1]

Plot

As described in a film magazine,^[2] when Elizabeth (McDowell) and Pierre Monnier (Swickard) part, the mother takes one son, Henry (Kinny), while the father takes the other, Maurie (McGrail), to Paris. Maurie shows promise as a sculptor, but his life is ruined when he marries Clarice (Carew) and she deserts him to go with Jules Chandoce, a returning soldier. When his father dies, Maurie returns to New York, but finds his mother and brother ashamed of him. He walks the street for a time and contemplates suicide, but becomes inspired after meeting artist model Hope Martin (Joy). With her posing for him he makes a figure called "Blind Youth" which makes him famous overnight. After confessing his love to Hope, he tells her of his unfortunate marriage. Clarice reappears to share Maurie's recent fortune, but, after finally realizing that his happiness means more to her than money, she confesses to him that their marriage was illegal as Chandoce really was her husband. Maurie and Hope then wed.

Cast

Walter McGrail as Maurie Monnier
Leatrice Joy as Hope Martin
Ora Carew as Clarice Monnier
Claire McDowell as Elizabeth Monnier
Josef Swickard as Pierre Monnier
Charles A. Post as American Tubby
Leo White as French Louis
Helen Howard as Matilda Packard
Clara Horton as Bobo
Colin Kinny as Henry Monnier

Production

Two hundred extras were used in a scene set in the world of a "bohemian" New York cabaret.^[3] Director Sloan completed the film after Alfred E. Green became ill.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Progressive Silent Film List: Blind Youth at silentera.com
^ "Reviews: Blind Youth". Exhibitors Herald. 10 (18). New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company: 74–75. May 1, 1920.
^ "'Blind Youth' at Gem". Deseret News. April 5. 1920 Web. July 20. 2015