Applause

Applause, an influential American film, released in the dying days of the silent era in October 1929, took its viewers on a tumultuous ride of emotions through the vivid mélange of music, melodrama and the raw struggle of living. The movie is introduced by silent cinema maestro Rouben Mamoulian, who chose the daring story of nightclub burlesque and the tension of a mother-daughter relationship as his first talkie.

The film features the exceptional talents of Helen Morgan, a theatrical singer and actress exquisitely in her element in this flashy yet poignant plot. Known for her soulful, torch songs delivered with real tears, Morgan performed with an unmatched genuineness. In Applause, she portrays the crumbling, used-up burlesque queen Kitty Darling, carefully balancing the pain, pride, and weariness of a performer whose life and career are ebbing away. With this breakout role, Morgan convincingly captured the complexities of a woman trapped in the merciless world of burlesque, desperately clawing for respect and love.

Joan Peers delivered a heartfelt performance as April Collier, Kitty's offstage daughter, who is forced into the fray of her mother's world after graduating from the religious boarding school. Peers sent a wave of sweet innocence and youthful energy through the harsh scenery of Applause as the naïve, hopeful young woman who awkwardly navigates between her devotion to her mother and her dreams.

Fuller Mellish Jr. feelingly adapted the role of Hitch Nelson, the sleazy but charming lothario who tempts both women into his life. Mellish switches between vulnerability and villainy with an ease that leaves viewers confounded, bewildered and engaged.

Rouben Mamoulian’s direction uncovers the dark, disquieting underworld of burlesque which was never quite seen before – the gloomy backstage intrigue, the dismal living quarters, the heavy makeup to disguise ageing and the murky alleyways enveloping the theatre. These gritty visuals, well juxtaposed with the dazzling stage sequences, offered the audience an honest portrayal of the life behind the showbiz glamour.

Applause also deserves applause for its innovative use of sound. Unlike its contemporaries, Applause creatively incorporates music and dialogue, capturing the chaos and rhythm within the burlesque world itself. The film was revolutionary for its use of mobile cameras and a range of audio techniques, including overlapping dialogue, at a time when the majority of films were shot statically due to cumbersome sound recording equipment.

The film’s score is a compelling mixture of the popular and stage songs of the era interspersed with Morgan’s soulful renditions. The slinky piano interludes contrast well with the brassy fanfare of the burlesque, echoing the stark differences within the story. Morgan's heartbreaking rendition of "What Wouldn't I Do for That Man," a popular song of the time, is a haunting highlight of the film.

A deeply human tale of rags, ruin and redemption, Applause takes its viewers through a riveting dramatic journey and concludes on an unforgettable final note. The juxtaposition of the grimy backdrop of the burlesque world against the aspirational dreams of a young girl makes for a genuinely enthralling watch.

Despite its resounding critical success, Applause encountered lukewarm reception from the audience initially due to its unconventional theme that ran counter to the typical Hollywood fare. However, with time it has grown into a classic, studied for its avant-garde techniques that foreshadowed the maturity of the American cinema.

Indeed, Applause is a film that refused to follow the crowd. Its raw portrayal of life combined with its innovative sound and visual techniques are a testament to a director and cast unafraid to take risks. It is a benchmark in the transition from shoe-box silence to microphone noise and forever etched its place in cinematic history. As you watch Applause, you step into a time capsule, reliving the pains and pleasures of the late 20s, forever immortalised in the timeless art of cinema. Thus, Applause is more than just a film; it is a sensory experience that every film enthusiast, historian, and student should venture into.