SILENT FILMS 1916-1920: THE GREAT LOVER (1920)

CREDITS

Released: November 30, 1920

Production Company: Frank Lloyd Productions

Featured Cast: John St. Polis, Richard Tucker, Claire Adams, John Davidson, Alice Hollister, Lionel Belmore, Rose Dione, Tom Ricketts, Frederick Vroom, Gino Corrado

Director: Frank Lloyd

Executive Producer (uncredited): Frank Lloyd

Producer: Samuel Goldwyn

Cinematographer: Devereaux Jennings

Writers: Leo Ditrichstein (play), Fanny Hatton (play), Frederic Hatton (play), J.E. Nash

TECH

Sound Mix Silent
Color Black and White
Aspect Ratio 1.33 : 1
Film Length 1,585.55 m (6 reels) (USA)
Negative Format 35 mm
Cinematographic Process Spherical
Printed Film Format 35 mm

STORY

Ethel Warren returns from studying in Europe to make her debut in New York with the opera company in which Jean Paurel, world-famous baritone, is the star. Carlo Sonino, also a member of the company, falls in love with Ethel and warns her against becoming infatuated with the amorous singer. Paurel becomes enchanted with Ethel, arousing the jealousy of the company’s prima donna, Sabotini. When, after the first act, Ethel hears that Paurel has suffered an attack of the throat, she rushes backstage. Carlo, urged by Sabotini, follows and makes a scene, whereupon Ethel indignantly announces her engagement to Paurel.

Paurel is unable to perform in the second act, and Carlo, taking his place, is vaulted to stardom. After Paurel is diagnosed as never being able to sing again, Bianca, a retired singer and Paurel’s first love, reveals that Carlo is their son and pleads with the singer to give up Ethel for the boy’s sake. After much soul-searching, Paurel refutes his selfish ways and agrees, thus freeing Ethel from her pledge to marry him. (TCM)