
Is Something to Think About Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1920)
Wealthy cripple Markley finances the education of blacksmith's daughter Ruth. When she returns to their small town he asks to marry her, but she runs off with city worker Jim Dirk who is then killed in a subway accident. Markley offers to marry her in name only to protect her new son.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Something to Think About offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1920 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 1920, Something to Think About represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Wealthy cripple Markley finances the education of blacksmith's daughter Ruth. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Wealthy cripple Markley finances the education of blacksmith's daughter Ruth. When she returns to their small town he asks to marry her, but she runs off with city worker Jim Dirk who is then killed in a subway accident. Markley offers to marry her in name only to protect her new son."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Something to Think About, we see Elliott Dexter utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.
The direction by Cecil B. DeMille is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 78 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Something to Think About truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Something to Think About explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1920 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Cecil B. DeMille respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Something to Think About serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Elliott Dexter or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Something to Think About is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.3 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.