Mademoiselle Midnight

French-Mexican spitfire Mae Murray (as Renée) troubles her father by following in the ways of her ancestral feminine side - she's a reckless spirit who must be constrained. Despite being kept under close watch, Ms. Murray manages time for bull-fighting with kindred spirit cousin Johnny Arthur (as Carlos), and sneaks out to dance wildly at a fiesta. While out partying, Murray attracts the attention of Monte Blue (as Jerry aka Owen). Meanwhile, fearsome Robert McKim (as Joao aka Manuel) tries to get control of Murray's ranch, by shooting her father. Then, revolutionary forces conspire to commit Murray to an asylum, and steal her estate.

This silent film could be confusing to many modern viewers. It's an historical epic fashioned for star Mae Murray, by her director husband Robert Z. Leonard and their "Tiffany" production company. Those who labeled it a "comedy-western" were probably bewildered by the opening segments (with Abraham Lincoln and Napoleon), and lost interest after Murray's comic bull-fighting and fiesta segments. To make matters worse, there are different versions of "Mademoiselle Midnight" - with "Renée" sporting last names "Gontran", "Quiros", and "Sorolla" - depending on the print you see, translation and editing could be a problem. And, it's only a fair film.

**** Mademoiselle Midnight (4/14/24) Robert Z. Leonard ~ Mae Murray, Monte Blue, Johnny Arthur, Robert McKim