Gloria Swanson, Lila Lee, Raymond Hatton, Thomas Meighan

Cecille B. DeMille's first big success was this silent adaptation of the play "The Admirable Crichton" by J.M. Barrie. In a star-making performance, Gloria Swanson plays Lady Mary Lasenby, the spoiled...( read more  read more... ) daughter of a rich family that's been shipwrecked on a tropical island with their servants. Class distinctions begin to blur as Lady Mary falls for the butler (Thomas Meighan) and the group struggles to survive their ordeal.

Flixster Users

46% liked it

761 ratings

Unrated, 115 min.

Directed by: Cecil B. DeMille

Release Date: November 23, 1919

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: August 17, 1999

Stats: 22 reviews

Photos


None yet... Got one?

Your Rating



clear rating
Facebook

Flixster Reviews (22)


  • August 8, 2009
    Add a review (optional)...
  • July 31, 2009
    Delightful silent film about a shipwrecked British family and their servants, with a great cast; story based on James Matthew Barrie's classic play The Admirable Crichton. The class structure in Britain at the time is gently ridiculed throughout and therein lies the fun.
    Specia...( read more)l mention goes to Thomas Meighan's incredible performance as the butler Crichton who falls in love with the aristocratic daughter of Lord Loam, Lady Mary. Thomas was so manly, tall, muscular and handsome, completely fascinating to watch in this role, and every other role I have ever seen him in. No wonder he was so popular as a leading man in silents. As far as I am concerned he stole the show. You couldn't take your eyes off him. :)
    Gloria Swanson brings a vulnerability to her role, which in the beginning is pretty unsympathetic. During their time on the island she grows the most emotionally, and one cannot help but feel sad for her at the end. Her character gets the fuzzy end of the lollipop, and the scullery maid Tweeny (pixie Lila Lee) gets the Grand Prize and moves to America to start a new life with Crichton.
    One strange thing about this version: there was a crew of men on board the boat, but after the shipwreck they are not seen or heard from again. What happened to them? Only Lord Loam and his children and two servants survive, as far as we can determine. Yet we see this crew rowing away from the site of the wreck, two years go by, and they are never accounted for. Odd.
    The musical score is pretty here but sounded a bit synthetic at times. I would have preferred a straight piano score, her piano moments were lovely.
    I really enjoyed this silent film. But then I have read almost everything James Barrie has written, so it's not surprising I would love Male and Female, based on his play. I just wish at least one of the silent versions of his "The Little Minister" would have been great, especially the one with Betty Compson.
  • June 15, 2009
    MALE AND FEMALE is a wonderful silent film from 1919, and stars Gloria Swanson. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, this movie is based on J.M. Barrie's play "The Admirable Crichton". Crichton is played by Thomas Meighan, who is the bulter in love with Swanson who plays an aristocrat. ...( read more)When Swanson's character and her family decide to sail the high seas, they are shipwrecked on a tropical island along with their servants. While living on the island, the tables are turned - the servants are now in charge and the aristocrats are now the servants, as Crichton, the bulter has survival skills needed. I recently purchased a DVD collection of Gloria Swanson's films, and very proud to own a copy of this film. The quality is excellent and the music is absolutely beautiful and fitting to the scenes. This film is a must for all Gloria Swanson fans.
  • May 11, 2009
    Hello Dear,
    My name is Lovet Bezebi Petros,i read about you on www.flixster.com site, and i decide to contact you hopeing that you will accept me as your friend,if you accept my request ,please reply to my email address (lovetbezebi@yahoo.com) so that i will send you my photos an...( read more)d moreabout me,i believe we can make good friends,let distance not be a barrier but lets love connect,because love is a bridge connect far distance to be close
    Yours Lovely
    Lovet.
  • January 29, 2009
    lindaseckk@yahoo.com
    Hello,
    my name is Linda Seck i saw your profile at (www.flixster.com) and i love it
    please i think we can make it together,please i will like you to email me back
    through my email addresses;(lindaseckk@yahoo.com) i am waiting to recive your lovely
    reply so...( read more)on,

    Love From Linda,
  • September 4, 2006
    wud like to see this

Comments


This board looks lonely. Be the first to talk about "Male and Female" !

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

More Like This


This list looks lonely.
Add a suggestion!

Facts


No facts approved yet. Be the first

Male and Female : Watch Free on TV


Male and Female Trivia


  • The American Film Institute's list of the 50 greatest screen legends was made up of 25 male and 25 female stars. Who were the male and female stars who were ranked number 1?  Answer »
  • in The Dark Crystal what's the difference between male and female Gelphlings?  Answer »
  • In the movie Transamerica, what were Felicity Huffmans male and female names?  Answer »
  • Which cows had utters in Barn Yard?  Answer »

Movie Quizzes


No quizzes for Male and Female. Want to create one?

Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Most Popular Skin


No skins yet. Interested in creating one?