Review of The Flapper

What a delightful film – and it's available for those of us who like to watch movies on a bigger screen – on a superb DVD from Alpha! The film's radiant star, Olive Thomas, delivers a truly outstanding performance and we are not surprised to learn that she entered movies after winning the title of "The Most Beautiful Girl in New York City". She reminded me very much of Mona Freeman. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd say that Mona modeled her screen persona and her make-up on Olive Thomas. Olive, however, is much more charming. In her fourth last of 24 movies, she is supported here by a grand array of character players including Arthur Housman (as the villain), Bill Carlton (as her suitor) and Warren Cook (as her dad). The delightful script with its fascinating characters, engrossing plot and unexpected twists was penned by Frances Marion. The ultra-smooth direction, a model of sophisticated movie-making, came about in the most capable hands of Alan Crosland.