Miss Lulu Bett

Miss Lulu Bett is a silent film that was made in 1921 and directed by one of the era's most accomplished directors, William C. de Mille. The movie features the acting talents of Lois Wilson, Milton Sills, and Theodore Roberts, who were well-known faces in the silent film era. Based on a 1920 novel and a Broadway play by Zona Gale, which had won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the film was among the first to delve into feminist themes, making it a critical commentary on societal expectations placed on women during that era.

Lois Wilson plays the titular character, Lulu Bett, a spinster in her thirties who resides with her sister's family. She is treated as a household servant more than a family member, and the audience can feel her desperation despite the silence of the movie. She's stuck in a life of dull servitude, cooking and cleaning for her unappreciative family.

Milton Sills, playing Ninian Deacon, brother of her brother in law Dwight, arrives into town for a visit. He breathes some life into the small tiresome town and brings a wave of excitement into Lulu's monotonous life. Lulu secretly admires him as he shows her rare kindness and affection, however, it’s all strictly played as a polite, good-natured interaction with no romantic connotations, at least from Ninian’s side.

Theodore Roberts plays the brother-in-law, Dwight Herbert Deacon, depicted as a stern, dominating, and self-absorbed man. He does not appreciate or respect Lulu, feeding into the oppressive environment surrounding Lulu. Further dimensionalizing the family structure are Diana, Lulu's narcissistic, self-congratulating sister, and the couple’s children, Bobby and Monona, who bring their different character sketches birthed out of this family circumstance.

The film sharply depicts the strict societal norms and the expectations of womanhood in the 1920s. The audience will see the difference in how women were treated when they were unmarried or bore no children, as exemplified by Lulu’s character. Through strong visual metaphors and the expressive performance of Lois Wilson, a feeling of melancholy is presented, a sense of longing for something better, a life beyond the parameters set by the family and society.

There is plenty of humor and light-hearted scenes to balance the dramatic elements of the film. Particularly, the movie’s pinnacle comes in a form of a dinner scene; a farcical mock-wedding between Lulu and Ninian, organized as jest by Dwight. This seemingly comic scene turns into an awkward situation, which becomes a turning point in Lulu's life, even leading her to question her existence, worth, and the definition of freedom.

Milton Sills brings charisma and charm to his role as he inadvertently plays catalyst to this pivotal change in Lulu's life. His character, Ninian, is starkly different from his brother Dwight - he is empathetic and not bound by societal norms. He seems to stand out as a breath of fresh air amongst the stale and conservative characters surrounding Lulu.

The film is a thoughtful and poignant exploration of a woman’s place in society during the 1920s era. The narrative takes us through Lulu's journey from being an oppressed, submissive woman to gradually developing a voice and asserting her identity. The evolution in her character is brought forward seamlessly by Lois Wilson's sensitive portrayal. Hampered by no dialogue, Wilson remarkably manages to pull the audience into her silent world, and her emotions speak louder than words ever could.

Miss Lulu Bett stands out among silent films not only because of its feminist themes but also because of its creative storytelling, compelling performances, and vibrantly detailed portrayal of the 1920s American life. It's a unique piece of historical cinema that resonates even a century later. Though it shines with the gloss of a bygone era, the movie’s themes hold relevance even today, making it a worthy watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful cinema, silent films, and historical narratives.