Blot, The

Director: Lois Weber
USA. 1921..
91. B&W..

Cast: Philip Hubbard (Professor Griggs), Margaret McWade (Mrs. Griggs), Claire Windsor (Amelia Griggs), Louis Calhern (Phil West) and Marie Walcamp (The Other Girl)

In a time where women played a central role in creating the American cinema, Lois Weber (1881–1939) was the outstanding woman filmmaker, writer and producer of the silent era. She was also one of the highest paid directors — man or woman — of her time! Weber’s films were critically acclaimed financial successes that created huge controversies around the country. The Blot remains the most popular of the more than 100 films she directed. Weber’s two remarkable young discoveries, Claire Windsor and Louis Calhern, rose to stardom with this film, and remained popular Hollywood actors for years.

The scholarly and underpaid Professor Griggs and his family live in genteel poverty in a small college town. To help out the family, beautiful young Amelia Griggs (Claire Windsor) works in the public library. Next-door to the Griggs are the Olsens, a large and lively family of immigrants living high on the hog, thanks to a thriving shoemaking business. Amelia attracts the attentions of Phil West, the son of a college trustee and her father’s laziest and naughtiest student. His rival for Amelia’s affection is Reverend Gates, a gentle, sincere and impecunious minister.

When Amelia falls ill from overwork, her mother tries to nurse her back to health. With the cupboards bare, the very proper Mrs. Griggs is sorely tempted to steal a chicken from her neighbor’s kitchen. The ensuing commotion turns out to be a blessing in disguise…

This restoration was produced by Photoplay Productions under the auspices of Kevin Brownlow, Patrick Stanbury and the late David Gill.

Bonus Features

A wonderful commentary track by Shelley Stamp, Associate Professor, Film and Digital Media, university of California, Santa Cruz and recent recipient of a $50,000 grant by the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences to complete her biography on Lois Weber.

Reviews

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