That Certain Thing ( 1928 )

That Certain Thing (1928): A Silent Comedy Gem

That Certain Thing, released in 1928, stands as a shining example of early screwball comedy, showcasing the talents of Frank Capra in his pre-Code Hollywood prime. While often overshadowed by his later, more socially conscious works, this silent film, starring Viola Dana and Ralph Graves, offers a delightful blend of slapstick, romantic entanglements, and a surprisingly astute commentary on the societal pressures of wealth and social standing. It's a film that continues to entertain and surprise, proving that Capra's knack for storytelling was evident even in his early directorial efforts.

Synopsis

The story centers around Molly Kelly (Viola Dana), a poor but charming secretary working for the wealthy and somewhat eccentric Mr. Vantine (Sydney Jarvis). Vantine, convinced that a happy marriage is the key to business success, decides to implement a unique strategy: he will provide a substantial sum of money to a young couple, chosen at random, who agree to marry and prove their ability to live happily on a budget. His logic is that contented employees are more productive. Molly, desperate to escape her financial constraints, sees this as a golden opportunity. She sets her sights on Don Adams (Ralph Graves), a struggling but equally charming office worker. Don, initially reluctant, is eventually swayed by Molly's persistence and the allure of financial security. They are chosen as the lucky couple and given $5000 (a significant amount in 1928) to start their life together.

The film then follows their hilarious attempts to manage their newfound wealth and maintain a semblance of normalcy. They buy a mansion, hire a large staff, and try to fit into a social circle they were never meant for. Their spending quickly spirals out of control, and they face a series of comedic mishaps as they struggle to adapt to their new lifestyle. The initial spark of romance begins to fade under the pressure of their extravagant spending and the interference of unwelcome social climbers. The film humorously depicts the pitfalls of sudden wealth and the challenges of maintaining genuine happiness amidst superficial societal expectations.

Cast and Characters

That Certain Thing boasts a talented cast who bring their characters to life with expressive performances, despite the limitations of silent film acting. The chemistry between Viola Dana and Ralph Graves is particularly noteworthy, as they navigate the comedic and romantic complexities of their roles.

Frank Capra's Early Directorial Style

That Certain Thing provides valuable insight into the early development of Frank Capra's directorial style. Even in this silent film, his signature themes of optimism, the importance of human connection, and the critique of social inequality are evident. He demonstrates a keen understanding of comedic timing and visual storytelling, using expressive performances, slapstick humor, and clever intertitles to convey the film's message.

Capra's ability to create relatable and sympathetic characters is also apparent. Molly and Don, despite their flaws and misadventures, are ultimately likable and relatable characters who strive for happiness and genuine connection in a world obsessed with wealth and status. This focus on the human element would become a hallmark of Capra's later, more celebrated works.

The film also showcases Capra's willingness to challenge societal norms. While presented in a comedic context, the film subtly critiques the superficiality of high society and the pressures of wealth. Capra uses humor to expose the absurdity of social climbing and the emptiness of material possessions, themes that would continue to resonate throughout his filmography.

Themes and Motifs

That Certain Thing explores several key themes that remain relevant even today:

• The Illusion of Wealth and Happiness: The film satirizes the belief that money automatically equates to happiness. Molly and Don discover that their newfound wealth only complicates their lives and strains their relationship.
• The Importance of Genuine Connection: The film emphasizes the value of authentic relationships over superficial social status. Molly and Don realize that their love for each other is more important than fitting into high society.
• Social Commentary: The film offers a glimpse into the societal pressures and anxieties of the 1920s, particularly the obsession with wealth and social climbing.
• The American Dream: While presented in a comedic light, the film touches upon the American Dream of upward mobility and the challenges of achieving it.

These themes are conveyed through various motifs, including:

• Extravagant Spending: The rapid and uncontrolled spending of Molly and Don highlights the dangers of materialism and the allure of superficiality.
• Social Gatherings: The elaborate parties and social events serve as a backdrop for exposing the shallowness and hypocrisy of high society.
• Clothing and Appearance: The characters' changing wardrobes reflect their attempts to fit into a new social class and the pressures they face to conform to societal expectations.

Visual Storytelling and Silent Film Techniques

As a silent film, That Certain Thing relies heavily on visual storytelling techniques to convey its narrative and emotions. Capra masterfully utilizes:

• Expressive Acting: The actors use exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to communicate their characters' thoughts and feelings.
• Pantomime: Slapstick humor and physical comedy are employed to create comedic moments and advance the plot.
• Intertitles: Dialogue and narration are conveyed through intertitles, which provide context and commentary. Capra uses witty and engaging intertitles to enhance the comedic effect.
• Camera Angles and Movement: Strategic camera angles and movement are used to create dramatic tension, highlight comedic moments, and guide the audience's attention.
• Editing: Quick cuts and montages are used to create a sense of pace and energy, particularly during comedic sequences.

The film's visual style is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. Capra avoids excessive visual effects and instead focuses on using the actors' performances and the film's narrative structure to engage the audience.

Reception and Legacy

That Certain Thing was generally well-received upon its release, praised for its comedic timing, charming performances, and insightful social commentary. While not considered a major box office success, it helped to solidify Frank Capra's reputation as a talented and promising director. It received positive reviews in trade publications and newspapers, solidifying Capra's growing reputation in Hollywood.

Over time, That Certain Thing has gained a cult following among film enthusiasts and scholars. It is now recognized as an important early example of screwball comedy and a significant work in Frank Capra's filmography. Its themes and comedic style continue to resonate with audiences, demonstrating the enduring power of silent cinema and the timeless appeal of Capra's storytelling.

Comparison to Later Capra Films

While That Certain Thing differs significantly in style and format from Capra's later, more famous sound films, it shares several thematic and stylistic similarities. For instance, the film's critique of social inequality and its emphasis on the importance of human connection foreshadow themes that would be explored in greater depth in films like Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946). Like those films, That Certain Thing champions the underdog and celebrates the values of ordinary people.

Furthermore, Capra's ability to create relatable and sympathetic characters is evident in both That Certain Thing and his later works. Molly and Don, despite their flaws and misadventures, are ultimately likable and relatable characters who strive for happiness and genuine connection in a world obsessed with wealth and status. This focus on the human element would become a hallmark of Capra's later, more celebrated works.

However, it's important to acknowledge the differences between That Certain Thing and Capra's sound films. The silent format imposed certain limitations on storytelling and character development, requiring Capra to rely more heavily on visual techniques and expressive performances. His later films, with the added dimension of sound and dialogue, allowed him to explore more complex themes and create more nuanced characters.

Availability and Preservation

Like many silent films, That Certain Thing has faced challenges in terms of preservation and availability. However, efforts have been made to restore and preserve the film, ensuring that it remains accessible to future generations. Copies of the film are available on DVD and online streaming platforms, allowing audiences to experience this silent comedy gem for themselves.

Organizations dedicated to film preservation, such as the Library of Congress and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, play a crucial role in safeguarding silent films like That Certain Thing. Their efforts to restore and digitize these films ensure that they are not lost to history and that they can continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Conclusion

That Certain Thing is more than just a silent comedy; it's a testament to Frank Capra's early talent and a charming reminder of the power of visual storytelling. Its blend of slapstick humor, romantic entanglements, and social commentary makes it a delightful and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences today. It's a valuable piece of film history that offers insights into Capra's directorial development and the evolution of screwball comedy. For anyone interested in early cinema, Frank Capra, or the evolution of comedic filmmaking, That Certain Thing is a must-see.