Clara Kimball Young had been in films since 1912, she was extremely popular and was one of the first stars to form their own production company. That was with Lewis J. Selznick who tried to change her screen personality from wide eyed innocent to sexy and daring (for 1918 standards). Her career was not managed skilfully and by the time "Eyes of Youth" came along she was now more matronly than girlish and her fan base had dropped away to mainly older house wives who could identify with her as well as envy her her expensive looking wardrobe (in this movie her gowns were designed by Lady Duff Gordon). Another problem for her was she was now competing with the more popular and talented Pauline Frederick. Even though the mediocre Harry Garson ended up sinking her career he was on firmer ground with "Eyes of Youth" (he hadn't started directing yet, this was directed by capable Albert Parker) which ended up being the film she is remembered for.
Gina Ashling (Young), one whose eyes have not been blinded by material things according to the title (of which there are many) wants to travel to South America with Peter Judson (a very young Edmund Lowe) but her father will not give his consent. His business is in crises because he clings to the past and will not see the future dreams of his son Kenneth (Gareth Hughes), he also expects Gina to fall in with his plans to marry hard headed businessman Robert Goring(Ralph Lewis) who believes everyone has their price. There is enough plot for 6 movies but it does provide a showcase for the emotive acting of Young. Did I mention that Gina also had plans for an operatic career that father expects her to put on hold???
A starving beggar with a crystal ball allows her to see three future paths in order to decide wisely. "The Path of Duty" shows Gina what bowing to family wishes would bring - drudgery, haggardness and a stressful job as a teacher after years of care have ruined her singing voice. Louis (Milton Sills) another of her suitors has now switched his attentions to younger sister Rita (Pauline Starke) claiming Rita is now too old and careworn, even the school board has sacked her for her old fashioned ways. Not such a good future.
"The Path of Ambition" sees her pursuing her singing career but brother Kenneth, after being discouraged by his father, is now following a course in "Art" and it is proving a huge drain on Gina's purse. She becomes involved in a public scandal (a divorce), her mentor dismisses her as a "Jezabel" to which she responds "only after you made me one"!!! Heady stuff!!!
"The Path of Wealth" sees her married to Robert and wealth has bought her only sorrow. Rita is now married to Louis who has become a drunken bully and he, together with Robert who has a mistress plots Gina's downfall. Enter Clarence Morgan "a cabaret parasite" (Rudolfo Valentino) who is hired to lure Gina to the Pearson's Road House and place her in a compromising position!! Deserted by the friends and family she sacrificed her happiness for, she becomes - a dope fiend!!!
The plot and acting would have been over the top even for 1919 - Valentino is probably the most restrained performer in the film. It is also interesting to see Milton Sills, the epitome of derring do heroes in an early role as a two faced weakling!!
Highly Recommended.
Gina Ashling (Young), one whose eyes have not been blinded by material things according to the title (of which there are many) wants to travel to South America with Peter Judson (a very young Edmund Lowe) but her father will not give his consent. His business is in crises because he clings to the past and will not see the future dreams of his son Kenneth (Gareth Hughes), he also expects Gina to fall in with his plans to marry hard headed businessman Robert Goring(Ralph Lewis) who believes everyone has their price. There is enough plot for 6 movies but it does provide a showcase for the emotive acting of Young. Did I mention that Gina also had plans for an operatic career that father expects her to put on hold???
A starving beggar with a crystal ball allows her to see three future paths in order to decide wisely. "The Path of Duty" shows Gina what bowing to family wishes would bring - drudgery, haggardness and a stressful job as a teacher after years of care have ruined her singing voice. Louis (Milton Sills) another of her suitors has now switched his attentions to younger sister Rita (Pauline Starke) claiming Rita is now too old and careworn, even the school board has sacked her for her old fashioned ways. Not such a good future.
"The Path of Ambition" sees her pursuing her singing career but brother Kenneth, after being discouraged by his father, is now following a course in "Art" and it is proving a huge drain on Gina's purse. She becomes involved in a public scandal (a divorce), her mentor dismisses her as a "Jezabel" to which she responds "only after you made me one"!!! Heady stuff!!!
"The Path of Wealth" sees her married to Robert and wealth has bought her only sorrow. Rita is now married to Louis who has become a drunken bully and he, together with Robert who has a mistress plots Gina's downfall. Enter Clarence Morgan "a cabaret parasite" (Rudolfo Valentino) who is hired to lure Gina to the Pearson's Road House and place her in a compromising position!! Deserted by the friends and family she sacrificed her happiness for, she becomes - a dope fiend!!!
The plot and acting would have been over the top even for 1919 - Valentino is probably the most restrained performer in the film. It is also interesting to see Milton Sills, the epitome of derring do heroes in an early role as a two faced weakling!!
Highly Recommended.