Watch Miss Lulu Bett

Miss Lulu Bett, released in 1921 and directed by William C. de Mille, is a thought-provoking and sensitive portrayal of a single woman's struggle to find her own identity in a society that often marginalizes and dismisses unmarried women as spinsters or old maids. Lois Wilson gives a powerful performance as the titular character, Lulu Bett, a quiet and unassuming woman who has spent most of her life caring for her sister, Ina (Helen Ferguson), and her domineering mother (Josephine Crowell). Lulu is largely considered a burden by her family, and they treat her accordingly, making her do all the household chores and catering to their every whim.

Despite her thankless existence, Lulu remains devoted to her family and considers herself fortunate to have a roof over her head and a semblance of security. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her ne'er-do-well brother-in-law (Cecil Van Auker) brings home a guest, Ninian Deacon (Milton Sills), who is immediately smitten with Lulu.

At first, Lulu is hesitant to entertain the idea of a romance, but Ninian slowly wins her over with his charm and sincerity. For the first time in her life, Lulu experiences love and passion, and she begins to question her place in society and whether she should remain a subservient spinster or break free and start anew.

As Lulu's relationship with Ninian evolves, she realizes that she has been living a lie all her life, and that she possesses the strength and courage to chart her own course. She also discovers that there is much more to life than just being a caregiver and homemaker, as she becomes involved in a scandalous subplot involving the Deacon family estate.

Soon, Lulu finds herself at a crossroads, torn between staying true to herself and maintaining her loyalty to her family. Ultimately, she must choose between living a life of quiet desperation or embracing her newfound freedom and independence.

Miss Lulu Bett is a poignant and nuanced film that manages to address complex issues of gender and class in a refreshingly subtle and understated manner. It also features outstanding performances by its cast, particularly Lois Wilson, who imbues her character with a quiet dignity and a palpable sense of yearning.

The film is also noteworthy for its proto-feminist themes, as it challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the struggles of single women in a society that tends to see them as inferior or unwanted. Moreover, Miss Lulu Bett is a testament to the power of human resilience and the ability to overcome adversity, as Lulu undergoes a dramatic transformation from a meek and subservient spinster to a confident and assertive woman who is unafraid to assert herself and pursue her dreams.

Overall, Miss Lulu Bett is a timeless classic that deserves to be rediscovered by modern audiences. It is a powerful and moving film that speaks to the universality of the human experience and the need for all individuals, regardless of gender or social status, to be treated with respect and dignity.