Review #464: 'It' (1927)

Based upon Elinor Glyn's novel of the same name (she also adapted the screen story, and has a cameo as herself), this rags-to-riches tale begins with a camp (silent-era homosexual coding) department store executive, Monty (played with relish by William Austin, whose look insure John Waters has been influenced by) reading Glyyn's article in 'Cosmopolitan' magazine, about the concept of "IT": Someone who possesses "IT" oozes sex appeal, and draws others towards them, like a moth to flame. Looking around the shop floor, he observes that one shop girl, Betty Lou (Clara Bow), is the only girl in the building that possesses "IT".

Betty dreams of breaking away from poverty (a common theme in '20's Hollywood cinema), and sees the dashing department store owner, Cyrus Waltham (Antonio Moreno), and attempts to get noticed by him. They embark on a love affair, with the characteristic up-and-downs, but with one remarkable service done the pair fall apart. There is an incredible scene of selflessness by Betty, her room-mate, Molly (Priscilla Bonner), has two local busybodies (played by Jacqueline Gadsden and Julia Swayne Gordon) threatening to take her baby to a home, but Betty steps in and tells them that the baby is hers. This, of course, leads to a misconstrued situation in her love life, and consequently a comedy of errors.

Elinor Glyn's impact on early 20th century popular culture is evident right here. It could be argued that she created the romantic comedy, and certainly popularised women's romantic fiction. But from this book in particular, she created an enduring concept that still infects our popular culture: "IT". And with the incredible "ITness" of Clara Bow, she can truly be titled "The Original IT Girl". Sadly, after being the roaring twenties' most famous sex symbol, she left the limelight shortly after the coming of sound cinema, and moved to Nevada with her actor husband, Rex Bell. Most unfortunately, she suffered for many years with psychiatric issues, and spent some time in institutions - but her sassy, beautiful image is immortal.


Directed by: Clarence G. Badger
Starring: Clara Bow, Antonio Moreno, William Austin, Priscilla Bonner
Country: USA

Rating: ***

Marc Ivamy