Watch The Patsy

The Patsy is a 1928 American silent comedy film directed by King Vidor and starring Marion Davies, Orville Caldwell, and Marie Dressler. The film tells the story of a young woman named Patricia Harrington, played by Davies, who is constantly overshadowed by her beautiful and popular older sister, Grace, played by Jane Winton. Patricia is tired of being the family "patsy" and decides to take matters into her own hands by trying to make herself more appealing to men.

The film opens with a lavish party at the Harrington mansion where all the guests are vying for Grace's attention. Meanwhile, Patricia is sitting in the corner, feeling neglected and invisible. Her mother, played by Dell Henderson, constantly criticizes her looks and actions, making her feel even worse about herself. However, Patricia has a close relationship with her father, played by George Baxter, who is the only one who seems to appreciate her.

One day, Patricia's luck changes when she meets Tony, a handsome and charming man played by Orville Caldwell. Despite her lack of confidence, Tony takes an interest in Patricia and begins to court her. However, Tony is only using Patricia to make her sister Grace jealous and win her affection. Patricia is heartbroken when she finds out and retreats to a convent to become a nun.

Meanwhile, Grace is engaged to a wealthy man named Billy, played by Lawrence Gray. However, Billy is more interested in Patricia than Grace and tries to convince her to break her vows and leave the convent. Patricia is torn between her feelings for Billy and her commitment to the church.

The climax of the film takes place at a party where Patricia proves to everyone that she is no longer the family "patsy" and can be beautiful and charming in her own right. At the same time, Grace realizes that she has been shallow and selfish and decides to break off her engagement with Billy, allowing him to pursue Patricia.

The Patsy is a classic silent comedy that showcases Marion Davies' talent for physical comedy and her ability to portray complex emotions. Her performance as Patricia is both funny and touching, as she transforms from a shy and insecure woman to a confident and independent one. Marie Dressler, who plays Mrs. Harrington, provides comic relief with her sharp-tongued insults and exaggerated reactions.

The film's themes of sibling rivalry, self-esteem, and love are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic. The Patsy's portrayal of women's roles in society is also worth noting, as it shows how women were often judged based on their looks and social status.

In conclusion, The Patsy is a delightful silent comedy that is sure to make audiences laugh and empathize with its relatable characters. Marion Davies' performance is a standout, and the film's themes are just as relevant today as they were in 1928. It is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone who enjoys a good laugh.

The Patsy is a 1928 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.