Our Modern Maidens(1929).

Our Modern Maidens(1929). A silent film directed by Jack Conway. Cast: Joan Crawford in her last silent film role, Rod La Rocque, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and Anita Page. Our Modern Maidens is the second of three film where Crawford and Page appear together. Fun Fact: Joan Crawford married co-star Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in a well orchestrated publicity event for the film.




The story begins during the "Jazz Age". Billie Brown and Gil Jordan, decide to secretly get married. To find Gil a diplomatic job in Paris, Billie, decides to trick Glenn Abbott, who falls in love with her, saying Gil is only a boy. While this is all going on Gil and Kentucky have an affair, which he regrets, telling her of his engagement to Billie. Kentucky, says she will never tell Billie, her best friend.

Soon After, Glenn gets Gil the job and their engagement is announced, enraging Glenn to the point he almost rapes Crawford. Billie and Gil, go ahead with their plans and get married in an elaborate wedding.

All is well.. until Billie discovers Gil's affair with Kentucky. Giving them good wishes, she leaves her husband.

Sometime later.. in France, she and Abbott meet again. Will, they find themselves back in each other arms?

This silent film has it all... Fast cars, jazz parties, a love quadrangle, great art deco sets.. a wonderful glimpse back in time..

Modern Maidens(1929)  Please check out Silents movie review..

Joan Crawford

Anita Page.

Our Modern Maidens (1929)

"Our Modern Maidens" (1929) is a little gem directed by Jack Conway that is one of my favorite silent films. This "Jazz Age" melodrama is so fun to watch. It provides a glimpse of the roaring 1920's with its fast cars, jazz parties, flappers, bootleg booze and a love quadrangle. Joan Crawford plays Billie Brown and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. plays Gil Jordan, a happy couple who are engaged but keep their engagement a secret until Gil's appointment at the embassy comes through. It is a secret so Billie can charm influential businessman Glenn Abbott, played by Rod La Rocque, in the hope that he can get Gil a diplomatic job. Kentucky Strafford, played by Anita Page, is Billie's best friend whom is secretly in love with Gil. While Billie is trying to get Glenn, Gil and Kentucky have an affair. After Glenn gives Gil the appointment, Billie and Gil's engagement is announced, angering Glenn to the point where he almost rapes Billie. Shortly after Billie marries Gil, Kentucky tells Billie that she is pregnant with Gil's baby. This news creates an upheaval in the lives of the flaming youths.

"Our Modern Maidens" was Crawford's final silent film and her only on-screen appearance with Douglas Fairbanks,Jr. whom she married the same year it was released. It is not surprising they had tremendous chemistry together. The film is very enjoyable to watch. The love scenes are interspersed with a lot of "Jazz Age" fun. Crawford looks radiant dancing with a skimpy Adrian outfit. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. is charming and the party scene in which he mocks John Barrymore's facial changes in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and imitates his own father in "Robin Hood" is very amusing and clever. Anita Page is adorable and gives a great performance. What fascinates me the most about this film is the stunning Art Deco sets with its sweeping staircases and geometric designs. "Our Modern Maidens" represents the peak achievements of Hollywood's designers just before the arrival of sound and it is one of the definitive "Jazz Age" films.