Is The Burning Question Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1919)
Mary Herder is the private secretary of the junior member of the New York contracting firm of Thompson and Collins. When she learns of a plot by the firm's foreman, a Bolshevist, to blow up a ship that Collins, who once rescued a worker from the foreman's violence and who is active against Bolshevism, is visiting, she and her older brother Charles thwart the conspirators' plans. During the war, Charles is rescued by Collins, while the Knights of Columbus, under the Rev. Francis Kelly, help American boys. After the war, Charles, a victim of shell-shock, recovers when he holds his baby. Mary's younger brother Frank, a Secret Service man posing as a Bolshevist, learns of their plan to overthrow the government. After they suspect Frank and kidnap Mary and others, Frank and Collins, with members of his regiment, rescue them in the nick of time.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of cinema, then The Burning Question offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1919 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
The Burning Question, a standout production of 1919, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Mary Herder is the private secretary of the junior member of the New York contracting firm of Thompson and Collins. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema 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: "Mary Herder is the private secretary of the junior member of the New York contracting firm of Thompson and Collins. When she learns of a plot by the firm's foreman, a Bolshevist, to blow up a ship that Collins, who once rescued a worker from the foreman's violence and who is active against Bolshevism, is visiting, she and her older brother Charles thwart the conspirators' plans. During the war, Charles is rescued by Collins, while the Knights of Columbus, under the Rev. Francis Kelly, help American boys. After the war, Charles, a victim of shell-shock, recovers when he holds his baby. Mary's younger brother Frank, a Secret Service man posing as a Bolshevist, learns of their plan to overthrow the government. After they suspect Frank and kidnap Mary and others, Frank and Collins, with members of his regiment, rescue them in the nick of time."
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. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Inez Marcel ensure that the emotional beats of The Burning Question always land with sufficient weight. Inez Marcel provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.
The direction by O.E. Goebel 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 12 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 The Burning Question 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 Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5/10 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, The Burning Question explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1919 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and O.E. Goebel 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, The Burning Question is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Inez Marcel or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Burning Question is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 0.2 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.