Synopsis
The Red Kimona is a silent drama picture made by Dorothy Davenport and Walter Lang and it is a dramatization of an expose by Adela Rogers St. John’s. It focuses on Gabrielle Darley (portrayed by Priscilla Bonner). A young girl seduced by a mannish figure that leads her to New Orleans, where Gabrielle gets betrayed and sold for prostitution. After a long and violent relationship, Gabrielle puts an end to her exploitative lover only to face a deeply sensationalized trial. The film portrays the intricate workings of the justice system during her sensational trial and how she tries to redeem herself subsequently.
The women placed under desperate conditions due to societal judgment and stigma is what the film displays. Gabrielle’s symbolic abandonment is captured in the red kimono which the title refers to.
Awards & Wins
While The Red Kimona predates the establishment of major film awards, it remains significant for its early feminist undertones and groundbreaking portrayal of societal double standards. The film is often celebrated retrospectively for its social impact.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Dorothy Davenport, Walter Lang
- Writers: Dorothy Arzner, Adela Rogers St. Johns (story)
- Cast:
- Priscilla Bonner as Gabrielle Darley
- Carl Miller as Howard Blaine
- Virginia Pearson as Mrs. Beverly Fontaine
Dorothy Davenport, working under the pseudonym “Mrs. Wallace Reid,” was a prominent figure in early Hollywood, known for her advocacy and bold exploration of moral and social issues.
IMDb Ratings
The film holds a 7.1/10 on IMDb, praised for its emotional depth and daring commentary for the time.
Personal Insights
The Red Kimona is an example of a film that stands out as one of the earliest feminist works due to its portrayal of women injustices. The drama skillfully criticizes the prevailing false moral values of society wherein women suffer for conditions which are well beyond their reach. As Gabrielle, Sr. Priscilla Bonner gives a marvelous performance that touches the heart as she showcases womon’s growth as a strong woman from her past victimhood.
Inspiring as it is, the decision to base the story on real life adds a layer true to life resonance and empathy to the endeavor, which D. Davenport’s direction is filled with, at the same time depicting the need for change.
Cultural Significance
The Red Kimona is known for its bold view on the exploitation of women as well as the slander towards victims of sexual violence and prostitution. This piece of visual art also depicts the role women played in the motion picture industry during the silent period, particularly the significant contributions made by Davenport and Arzner towards the film’s production.
As means of cinematic activism, The Red Kimona has emerged as one of the earliest efforts by Hollywood to engage with deeper social issues engage with deeper social issues. It has remained a pillar in the discourse of gender, justice, and activism in cinema. This is an incredibly admirable piece in the history of American cinema because its themes are still very relevant.