Madcap Madge (1917)
A spirited silent-era comedy-romance where one young woman's pranks and an unexpected elopement rescue her family from financial ruin.
Madcap Madge - Movie Information
- Original Title: Madcap Madge
- Release Year: 1917
- Directed by: Raymond B. West
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 1m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 24, 1917 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Den galenpannan Rut (SE), Madge l'écervelée (FR), Frøken Bilrøver (DK)
- Production Companies: New York Motion Picture
Madcap Madge - Plot
The social climbing Flower family is comprised of Mr. Flower, a banker who has overextended himself financially, Mrs. Flower, a socially ambitious mother, Julia Flower, a marriage-minded elder daughter and Madge Flower, a high-spirited younger daughter. When Madge is expelled from boarding school for her practical jokes and pranks, she joins her mother and sister in Palm Beach, where they are wintering, in hopes of snaring a titled husband for Julia. Julia, fearful that her little sister will impair her success on the marriage market, forces Madge to dress as a child of ten. Julia has her sights set on the Earl of Larsdale, but after a series of misadventures, Madge elopes with the young man who turns out not to be an earl at all, but a prosperous young American who is holding her father's notes. Thus, she saves the day for the Flower family.
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Madcap Madge - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Raymond B. West
Main Cast
- Olive Thomas as Madge Flower
- Charles Gunn as Denham
- Dorcas Matthews as Julia Flower
- Aggie Herring as Mrs. Flower
- Jack Livingston as Charles Lunkin
- J. Barney Sherry as Earl of Larsdale
- J. Frank Burke as Mr. Flower
- Gertrude Claire as Letitia Jane Adams
Madcap Madge - FAQs
Who plays Madge Flower in Madcap Madge?
Olive Thomas plays the irrepressible Madge Flower in Madcap Madge. Thomas was one of the brightest stars of the silent era, celebrated for her vivacious screen presence and comedic timing. Her portrayal of the mischievous, high-spirited Madge is widely considered one of her most charming performances.
What is Madcap Madge about?
Madcap Madge follows the Flower family — a financially stretched banker, his socially ambitious wife, and two daughters — as they winter in Palm Beach hunting for a titled husband. The youngest daughter, Madge, causes delightful chaos and ultimately elopes with a man who holds her father's debts, saving the whole family.
When was Madcap Madge released?
Madcap Madge was released on June 24, 1917, in the United States. It was produced during the golden age of American silent cinema, a period when comedies and romantic pictures were enormously popular with audiences across the country.
Who directed Madcap Madge?
Raymond B. West directed Madcap Madge. West was a prolific filmmaker during the silent era, working extensively with the New York Motion Picture company. He was known for his ability to handle both dramatic and lighter comedic material with equal confidence.
Does Madge Flower really elope in the film?
She does! After a string of comic misadventures in Palm Beach, Madge elopes with a young man her family had mistaken for the Earl of Larsdale. He turns out to be a prosperous American who happens to hold her father's financial notes — making the elopement a surprisingly clever rescue for the whole Flower family.
Why does Julia force Madge to dress as a child?
Julia, the elder Flower daughter, worries that her lively younger sister will sabotage her chances on the marriage market. To keep Madge out of the way while she pursues the Earl of Larsdale, Julia insists Madge dress as a ten-year-old child — a scheme that naturally backfires in the most entertaining fashion.
What genre is Madcap Madge?
Madcap Madge is a Comedy and Romance. It blends the light, farcical humor typical of silent-era comedies with a romantic storyline centered on social ambition, mistaken identity, and an unexpected elopement — all set against the glamorous backdrop of Palm Beach high society.
What are some movies similar to Madcap Madge?
If you enjoy the romantic comedy spirit of Madcap Madge, you might also like What's Love Got to Do with It? (2023), Sex Appeal (2022), Desperados (2020), Love Tactics (2022), and Heart Parade (2022). These films share a similarly playful, warm-hearted approach to romance and comic misadventure.
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