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]

Blind Youth
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Directed byEdward Sloman
Written byFrank W. Jamison
(art titles)
Katherine S. Reed
Based onBlind Youth (play)
by Lou Tellegen and Willard Mack
Produced byLewis J. Selznick
StarringWalter McGrail
Leatrice Joy
Claire McDowell
CinematographyMax Dupont
Production
company
National Picture Theaters
Distributed bySelect Pictures
Release date
  • March 1920 (1920-03)
Running time
60 min.
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

Plot edit

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 edit

Production edit

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 edit

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

External links edit