Download Stage Struck (1925) Colorized HD | Gloria Swanson | Silent Comedy Classic

A Waitress’s Theatrical Dreams: Stage Struck (1925) in Stunning Color

Step into the world of 1920s small-town America with “Stage Struck,” a delightful silent comedy from 1925, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by the prolific Allan Dwan, delivers a charming blend of humor, romance, and showbiz dreams as it follows a waitress with theatrical aspirations. Perfect for silent film enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Gloria Swanson’s comedic talents, this HD download brings a gem of cinematic history to your screen.

Stage Struck Storyline: A Waitress’s Journey from Diner to Stage

“Stage Struck” centers around Jennie Hagen (Gloria Swanson), a waitress in a river town restaurant who harbors dreams of becoming a famous actress. Jennie is in love with Orme Wilson (Lawrence Gray), the restaurant’s pancake cook, who has a weakness for actresses. When a riverboat theatrical troupe arrives in town, Jennie sees her chance to win Orme’s heart by proving her acting abilities.

As Jennie struggles to realize her theatrical ambitions, she faces numerous comedic trials and mishaps. Her attempts to impress Orme and outshine the visiting actresses lead to hilarious situations that showcase Swanson’s gift for physical comedy. The film culminates in Jennie’s determined efforts to go on stage and best the lead actress, Lillian Lyons (Gertrude Astor), despite being woefully unprepared for the spotlight.

Star-Studded Cast

“Stage Struck” features a talented cast of silent film era actors:

• Gloria Swanson as Jennie Hagen

• Lawrence Gray as Orme Wilson

• Gertrude Astor as Lillian Lyons

• Oliver Sandys as Hilda Wagner (credited as Marguerite Evans)

• Ford Sterling as Buck

• Carrie Scott as Mrs. Wagner

• Emil Hoch as Mr. Wagner

• Margery Whittington as Soubrette

Movie Genre

“Stage Struck” is a silent romantic comedy that blends slapstick humor with heartfelt aspirations. Its exploration of small-town dreams and the allure of show business makes it a quintessential example of 1920s American cinema.

Historical Context: Gloria Swanson’s Comedy Comeback

Released in 1925, “Stage Struck” represents an important phase in Gloria Swanson’s career. After years of starring in lavish dramas for Cecil B. DeMille, this film allowed Swanson to return to her comedic roots. It showcased her versatility as an actress and her ability to connect with audiences through humor and charm.

The film also captures the fascination with theater and show business that permeated American culture in the 1920s. It reflects the dreams of small-town residents who saw the stage as a gateway to glamour and success.

Colorization and Restoration Details

This colorized version of “Stage Struck” has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the 1920s costumes, sets, and Swanson’s expressive performance.

Interestingly, the original film already included Technicolor sequences at the beginning and end. These early color segments have been preserved and enhanced, providing a unique glimpse into the early days of color cinematography.

Technical Details

• Director: Allan Dwan

• Screenplay: Forrest Halsey

• Based on: An original story by Frank R. Adams

• Cinematography: George Webber

• Production Company: Paramount Pictures

• Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

• Runtime: 70 minutes

Technical Specifications

• Download Format: MP4

• Resolution: HD (1080p)

• Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

Critical Reception and Legacy

“Stage Struck” was well-received upon its release, praised for Swanson’s comedic performance and Dwan’s deft direction. Today, it’s considered an important film in Swanson’s career, demonstrating her range beyond dramatic roles.

The film is also valued for its depiction of small-town American life in the 1920s and its behind-the-scenes look at traveling theater troupes of the era. Its themes of aspiration and the pursuit of dreams continue to resonate with modern audiences.

FAQs

• Q: Was “Stage Struck” originally a silent film?

  • A: Yes, it was produced as a silent film with intertitles, typical of movies from 1925.

• Q: Did “Stage Struck” have any color sequences in its original release?

  • A: Yes, the film featured Technicolor sequences at the beginning and end, making it an early example of color in cinema.

• Q: Where was “Stage Struck” filmed?

  • A: Much of the film was shot on location in New Martinsville, West Virginia, with additional sequences filmed at Astoria Studio in New York.

• Q: How does this film fit into Gloria Swanson’s career?

  • A: “Stage Struck” marked a return to comedy for Swanson after several years of dramatic roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

• Q: Who directed “Stage Struck”?

  • A: The film was directed by Allan Dwan, a prolific filmmaker who worked with many major stars of the silent and sound eras.

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