Should She Obey?

Synopsis

"Should She Obey?" is a silent drama from 1917 featuring George Siegmann that explores the complexities of authority, personal choice, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century social norms, the film delves into the life of a woman torn between obedience and self-determination, highlighting the moral and emotional struggles she faces. Through expressive performances and pioneering cinematography typical of the silent film era, it offers a portrayal of gender roles and the consequences of conformity, making it a reflective piece on individual freedom versus societal pressure during the 1910s.

Cast

• 

  George Siegmann

  Allegorical Types

• Norbert A. Myles

  William Gordon

• Gene Genung

  Lorna Gordon

• Jack Dill

  Henry Blake

• 

  Billie West

  Mamie Blake

• 

  Andrew Arbuckle

  Uncle John

Reviews

Due to its release in 1917, "Should She Obey?" has limited contemporary critical reviews available; however, film historians and silent movie enthusiasts appreciate the movie for its historical significance and depiction of early social themes. The film is noted for George Siegmann's compelling performance, which carries much of the emotional weight through physically expressive acting, necessary in the absence of sound. While modern review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not have ratings for this film, IMDb users tend to give it modest scores, often appreciating its narrative ambition despite the primitive filmmaking techniques. Critics from silent film retrospectives praise the movie for its attention to societal issues relevant in its time but acknowledge the pacing and storytelling could be challenging for modern audiences accustomed to dialogue and faster edits. Overall, the film stands as a valuable artifact for those interested in the evolution of cinema and social narratives.