Making an American Citizen (1912)
*** (out of 4)
Alice Guy directs this rather strange and somewhat unique film that clocks in at 12-minutes. An immigrant couple arrive in New York and the husband is about to learn four "American" lessons in regards to how he is treating his wife.
MAKING AN AMERICAN CITIZEN is without question one of the more unique titles that I've seen from this era. I say that because I'm really not sure if this film was meant to be a comedy or if it was a serious film meant to teach men how to treat their ladies. In fact, if it was a serious film I do question how many men laughed or booed at the picture because there are several scenes where men went to the defense of the wife yet you have to wonder how accurate this would have been.
With all of that being said, story-wise we basically have the guy abusing the wife in four ways and he learns a lesson. There's obviously nothing overly ground-breaking here but I must admit that I really enjoyed the film and thought it was rather interesting and it's certainly a film that could lead to a good discussion after you've viewed it.
*** (out of 4)
Alice Guy directs this rather strange and somewhat unique film that clocks in at 12-minutes. An immigrant couple arrive in New York and the husband is about to learn four "American" lessons in regards to how he is treating his wife.
MAKING AN AMERICAN CITIZEN is without question one of the more unique titles that I've seen from this era. I say that because I'm really not sure if this film was meant to be a comedy or if it was a serious film meant to teach men how to treat their ladies. In fact, if it was a serious film I do question how many men laughed or booed at the picture because there are several scenes where men went to the defense of the wife yet you have to wonder how accurate this would have been.
With all of that being said, story-wise we basically have the guy abusing the wife in four ways and he learns a lesson. There's obviously nothing overly ground-breaking here but I must admit that I really enjoyed the film and thought it was rather interesting and it's certainly a film that could lead to a good discussion after you've viewed it.