The Clairvoyant (1924)

The Clairvoyant Poster
Original Title: La voyante

Jean is thrown out of the house by his father, a remarried politician, out of jealousy for his friendship with his mother-in-law. He finds refuge at an artist's apartment. In the same building lives a famous fortune teller that the mother-in-law just happens to consult. With her help, Jean will be able to marry his young sweetheart and his father will solve his political troubles.

Intro
"The Clairvoyant" is a quiet drama film from 1924, directed by Clifford S. Elfelt, composed by Abraham S. Schomer, and starring Henry Hull, Naomi Childers, and Otto Matieson. The film's story focuses on a psychic who anticipates upcoming risk and catastrophe, however deals with obstacles when his forecasts are not thought.

Plot Summary
The movie begins with Danglars (Henry Hull), a clairvoyant who utilizes his psychic powers to aid the police in solving criminal activities and predicting future events. Danglars, nevertheless, lives a double life; he is also the owner of a curio shop where he sells antiquities. His abilities make him an appreciated figure, especially amongst police.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Danglars anticipates a shipwreck. In spite of his warning, the port officials ignore it, causing an awful accident. This develops a public outcry versus Danglars, with people implicating him of undermining authority and developing mass hysteria. Some even blame him for the disaster, recommending that he may have triggered it himself to show his abilities.

Main Characters and Development
Danglars, played by Henry Hull, is the film's protagonist. Hull delivers a persuading performance as Danglars, portraying a tortured male whose powers are a curse as much as they are a gift. Danglars is a complex character who struggles to reconcile his capabilities with the issues they produce. In spite of his foresight, he finds himself helpless to prevent the upcoming disasters, causing his anguish and disappointment.

Naomi Childers stars as Janet Loring, a female who is deeply in love with Danglars. Her role in the film is essential as she offers emotional support to Danglars, standing by him in the middle of public ire. As much as she tries to encourage Danglars to stop forecasting devastating occasions, she also comprehends his battles.

Conclusion and Impact
"The Clairvoyant" is a remarkable representation of the challenges dealt with by someone with remarkable abilities. The movie surprisingly covers the battles, torture, and regret associated with visualizing catastrophes however being not able to avoid them.

The movie's ending is especially impactful. It reveals Danglars, overwhelmed by regret and despair, selecting to go into privacy after anticipating a terrible earthquake. His prediction comes to life, but nobody believes him up until it's too late. The movie ends with Danglars living alone, away from society, with a sense of deep irony pervading his existence.

Overall Assessment
"The Clairvoyant" is a captivating quiet movie that checked out styles of prediction, responsibility, and social understanding. Henry Hull's efficiency as Danglars was a standout, effectively capturing the pain and the paradox of his powers. Although it was a silent movie, it handled to convey its styles effectively through visuals and acutely comprehensive acting performances.

Top Cast

  • Sarah Bernhardt (small)
    Sarah Bernhardt
    Madame Gainard
  • Georges Melchior
    Jean Detaille
  • Harry Baur (small)
    Harry Baur
    Monsieur Detaille
  • Mary Marquet (small)
    Mary Marquet
    Madame Detaille
  • Jean-François Martial (small)
    Jean-François Martial
    André Renaud
  • Lili Damita (small)
    Lili Damita
    Suzanne
  • Madame Pâquerette (small)
    Madame Pâquerette