The Soul of Youth

Having long been familiar with William Desmond Taylor's mysterious death and recently reading about him I decided to go beyond the man's tragic myth and have a watch on his actual work. "The Soul of Youth" proves to be a good first impression depicting childhood and life with tenderness and humor. An abandoned infant is taken in an orphanage and the child grows into the rough and rowdy ways of such an environment. Given a chance by the law after a misdemeanor to better his life his story unravels into a rough and tumble odyssey into trial and redemption. Taylor was a good director eliciting solid performances from the cast. Although the film may be a little too languorous in pace for modern viewers the film is a pretty compelling watch from start to finish. Like any film of this vintage it's the glimpse into a bygone age that adds much to its appeal: the fashion, interiors, cars, acting and the manners and mores of people from way back then is a fascinating time travel that is moving and evokes a sense of wonder. Historical and entertaining, this century-old flick is a must see for silent movie fans and connoisseurs of film.