Film Overview"Less Than the Dust" is a silent romantic drama movie launched in 1916. The film was directed by William C. deMille, and is based on Charles E. Whittaker's book "The Red Mirage". The film starred Mary Pickford, who was profoundly popular at the time, as the leading lady and David Powell as the male lead.
Main Characters and PlotMary Pickford stars as Lady Mary Lasenby, a ruined British aristocrat, and David Powell plays David Graham, a hardworking and upcoming American entrepreneur. Girl Mary, fed up with her sheltered and spoiled way of life, wants experience and craves for the freedom she views lower-class people to have. David, who is a self-made guy, disdains all types of noble behaviors, consisting of Lady Mary, regardless of her appearance.
The film takes a twisted turn when Lady Mary's father, as a prank, arranges for her to hang around within a common workplace under the belief she is out of work, destitute, and cast aside from her aristocratic life. This situation propels her into a position to satisfy David, the business owner. Gradually, they fall in love, unconcerned of each other's background.
Climax and ResolutionDavid's hatred for the British upper class creates a predicament when he discovers Mary's real identity. He prepares to abandon her and return to America, exposing the pauper to be a princess. Nevertheless, while preparing to return home, he is reported dead after the ship he was on sunk. Meanwhile, Lady Mary, who has actually fallen head over heels in love with David, and not knowledgeable about his assumed death, renounces her honorable heritage and plans to trace David to America. Upon her arrival, she is mistaken for a cooly, a low-caste Indian woman. After a series of difficulties and adventures, including practically being forced into marriage with an Indian Prince, she finally discovers that David is still alive.
In the final turn of occasions, after lots of trials and adversities, David, who had survived the shipwreck, rescues Lady Mary. Having actually seen her amidst the hardships, facing the real world, he had actually fallen more for her and they come together to confess their love for each other. Thus, providing a dramatic however alleviating resolution and conclusion to the movie.
Production and ReceptionThe movie was produced by the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, among the pioneering production companies of that time, which later on changed into Paramount Pictures. It was dispersed by Paramount Pictures and the function movie is now protected with a copy in the Library of Congress.
In the climate of 1916, "Less Than the Dust" most likely played well to the audience's interests in British aristocratic life and the mix of love, drama, and experience. The movie takes advantage of Mary Pickford's stardom and her ability to depict characters who are thrust into tight spots yet show strength and nerve. Through the years, the movie stays noteworthy due to Pickford's efficiency, the fancy drama of class stress, and its historic value.
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