The Empress (1917)
A silent drama of deception and blackmail, directed by pioneering filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché and starring Doris Kenyon.
The Empress - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1917
- Directed by: Alice Guy-Blaché
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 6m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 11, 1917 (United States)
- Production Companies: Popular Plays and Players Inc.
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Empress - Plot
After the success of his painting "The Empress," artist DeBaudry (William Morse) takes his model, Nedra (Doris Kenyon), to a roadhouse and, unbeknownst to her, registers them as Mr. and Mrs. The roadhouse proprietor, who is also a part-time blackmailer, takes a photo of them together.
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The Empress - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alice Guy-Blaché
Main Cast
- Doris Kenyon
- Holbrook Blinn
- William A. Morse
- Lyn Donelson
Writers
- Frederick Chapin
- Holbrook Blinn
- Alice Guy-Blaché
The Empress - FAQs
What is The Empress (1917) about?
The Empress follows Nedra, an artist's model who unknowingly becomes the target of a blackmail scheme. After painter DeBaudry registers them as a couple at a roadhouse without her knowledge, the proprietor — who moonlights as a blackmailer — snaps a photo and uses it as leverage.
Who directed The Empress in 1917?
The Empress was directed by Alice Guy-Blaché, one of cinema's true pioneers. She was among the first female directors in film history and one of the earliest filmmakers to develop narrative storytelling on screen, making her involvement in this 1917 production historically significant.
Who stars in The Empress (1917)?
The film stars Doris Kenyon as Nedra, the unwitting model at the center of the story, alongside Holbrook Blinn as Eric and William A. Morse as the scheming painter DeBaudry. Lyn Donelson also appears as The Woman in the Dark.
Is The Empress based on a true story?
The Empress is not based on a true story. The screenplay was written by Frederick Chapin and Holbrook Blinn, with contributions from director Alice Guy-Blaché. It is an original dramatic narrative built around themes of deception, manipulation, and the vulnerability of women in early twentieth-century society.
Where can I watch The Empress (1917)?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Empress on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a silent-era film, availability may vary, but JustWatch is the best place to find where it's currently accessible.
Why is Alice Guy-Blaché significant to film history?
Alice Guy-Blaché is widely regarded as one of the first female film directors and a foundational figure in cinema history. She directed hundreds of films from the silent era onward, founded her own production company Solax, and championed narrative filmmaking at a time when the medium was still finding its voice.
How long is The Empress (1917)?
The Empress runs approximately 66 minutes, which was a fairly standard feature length for dramatic productions of the silent film era. It was released theatrically in the United States on March 11, 1917, through Popular Plays and Players Inc.
What are some movies similar to The Empress?
If you enjoy character-driven dramas like The Empress, you might also appreciate Racing with the Moon (1984), The River (1984), or Gracie (2007). These films share a focus on personal struggle, moral complexity, and intimate human relationships that echo the themes found in this 1917 silent drama.
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