Is The High Cost of Flirting Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1915)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy cinema, the 1915 release of The High Cost of Flirting stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Ethel Dunne and Jack Blakeney are sweethearts, despite the objections of Ethel's father. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy 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: "Ethel Dunne and Jack Blakeney are sweethearts, despite the objections of Ethel's father. Mr. Dunne has just admonished the young couple when he is entrapped by a flirtatious gypsy beauty. When an innocent but comprising, situation occurs the gypsy’s husband Tony appears and demands $1,000 in a designated spot to escape an Italian bomb. Ethel and Jack find the note so when Dunne leaves the money, Jack arrests Tony and banks the money to Ethel's credit. Arriving home Father Norton tells of his great bravery in foiling the designing gypsy, but Jack and Ethel reveal their part in the little comedy."

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. The presence of Winifred Greenwood provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by W. H. Burton 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 20 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 High Cost of Flirting 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 Comedy, 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 0/10 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 High Cost of Flirting explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1915 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and W. H. Burton 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 High Cost of Flirting 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 Winifred Greenwood or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The High Cost of Flirting is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.