Strictly Modern
| Strictly Modern | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | William A. Seiter |
| Written by |
Play: Hubert Henry Davies Screenplay: Ray Harris Gene Towne |
| Starring |
Dorothy Mackaill Sidney Blackmer Julanne Johnston Warner Richmond |
| Cinematography | Sidney Hickox |
| Distributed by | First National Pictures: A Subsidiary of Warner Bros. |
| Release dates |
March 2, 1930 (USA) |
| Running time | 63 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Strictly Modern (1930) is an all-talking pre-code comedy film, produced and released by First National Pictures, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. and directed by William A. Seiter. The movie stars Dorothy Mackaill and Sidney Blackmer. The film was based on the play, entitled Cousin Kate, written by Hubert Henry Davies.
Synopsis
Dorothy Mackaill plays the part of a novelist who writes "modern" novels about sex, romance and relationships. She thinks that since she is a strictly modern women she knows everything about men. When she falls in love she plans to act exactly like the heroines in her novels and expects her future boyfriend to do likewise. Mackaill attempts to apply the methods that uses in his books to her own life and the lives of those around her. As the film begins, we find out that Mackaill's cousin, played by Julanne Johnston is about to be married to Sidney Blackmer. Two days before their marriage Johnston, apparently a prude, tells Blackmer that there will be no passion in their marriage and that they will strictly observe the sanctity of the Sabbath. Blackmer, quickly realizing what is in store for him, deserts Johnston and takes the next train out of town. Warner Richmond, who plays the judge who is going to marry the couple, consoles Johnston. Meanwhile, Mackaill, who is on her way to the expected wedding, meets Blackmer on the train. Not knowing who he is, Mackaill quickly falls in love with him. When Mackaill learns that Blackmer is her cousin's fiancé she pretends that she had only been flirting because she thinks that falling in love with a man who is about to marry someone else is not appropriate. She vows to act in the proper way, the way in which the characters in her "modern" novels would. She does her best to bring Blacker and Johnston back together again, even though she still loves Blackmer. Mackaill manages to get them to the altar, but just before the marriage is solemnized Mackaill, realizing that Johnston is in love with the judge, gives the Richmond a drug. Richmond faints and Johnston declares her love for Richmond. When the judge recovers he is married to Johnston, leaving Mackaill and Blackmer free to pursue their romance.
Preservation
No film elements are known to survive. The soundtrack, which was recorded on Vitaphone disks, may survive in private hands.
Cast
- Dorothy Mackaill as Kate
- Sidney Blackmer as Heath Desmond
- Julanne Johnston as Aimee Spencer
- Warner Richmond as Judge Bartlett
- Mickey Bennett as Bobby Spencer
- Kathrin Clare Ward as Mrs. Spencer