Red Lily, The

For the film fan making the case that silents were truly golden; The Red Lily is a color that serves them well. Hue plays an important part in this "black-and-white" classic; using sepia; red and orange to convey a complexity of mood and emotion. After the death of her father; Marise La Noue (Enid Bennett) can find no safe haven; so she runs off to Paris with Jean Leonnec; the mayor's son (Ramon Novarro). Seeking a better life in Paris; Jean and Marise plan to meet at a specific time and place. When circumstances intervene; the two lovers miss their rendezvous; never reunite and are destined to lead separate lives that become more and more degrading. Marise turns to prostitution and Jean succumbs to the delightful debauchery of a thief named Bo-Bo (Wallace Beery in one of his earliest roles). Heartthrob Navarro and delicate Bennett make a magical combination in this deeply moving tale of fate; tragedy and redemption.

• drama
• silent