One Way Street by Beale Davis
Another science fiction theme that reoccurs again and again in the silent film era is that of rejuvenation. Take a story like "One Way Street"; the novel by Beale Davis is kinda-sorta like an early Harlequin Romance. The filmed version tacks on the fountain-of-youth angle in what-I-guess is an attempt to go with the fad.
Here's a comparison of the two:
SPOILERS
"One Way Street" the 1924 novel by Beale Davis -
Bob Austin is having an affair with the much older and very married Lady Sylvia. She manipulates the poor boy every step of the way (even getting him to give up his career as a diplomat). Finally, he decides to break things off. Her vanity is attacked (especially in view of her vanishing youthfulness) and she seeks revenge. Feigning the desire to continue a platonic friendship, Silvia seeks to all but ruin Austin financially. She schemes to eliminate his one solid job offer, gives him poor tips at the race track ("oops, sorry 'bout that Bobbikins"!!) and totally destroys his reputation by making him appear to be a card cheat. However, with the help of his loyal friends, Sylvia is shown for what she is, Austin is vindicated and he lives happily-ever-after with his new true love.
"One Way Street" the lost 1925 film -
Pretty much the same events occur. However, Sylvia has been keeping her youth through a series of operations. The stress of being "found out" causes her to instantaneously age before the viewer's eyes.
Sylvia was played by Anna Q. Nillson had who portrayed a similar role in yet another rejuvenation film called "Vanity's Price";.
(These film notes are from a synopsis in the "Overlook" S.F. film Encyclopedia reference book)
written: 2/2/2002
