A Florida Enchantment (1914) ⭐ 5.8 | Comedy (original) (raw)

A pioneering work on gay cinema, "A Florida Enchantment" is a delightful and entertaining glimpse at WW1-era America and its social and cultural mores. Based on a book and play of the same name this vintage charmer tells the tale of a woman who ingests strange "ingredients" that transform her into something not particularly favorable in 1914 America. Coming from a 1 % family and with an aging doctor for a suitor madcap hilarity ensues as the young lady indulges in her newfound freedom to everyone's horror and bemusement.

In humorous and still quite scandalous tones the film takes on the then novel topics of bisexuality, cross dressing and transgenderism. Although it has its slow parts and the minimal intertitles make the story a bit hard to follow at little over an hour long the acting and pacing are well done for a film well over a century old. To see the elegant suits of the men, the elaborate gowns of the women, the hats, the antiquated gestures and mannerisms, the amusing blackface, and overall vintage look, feel and vibe hearken one back to a bygone age. What I'll always remember and associate the film with is the sunny, windy, leafy and lush scenery of the Florida background which gives this B & W relic a tropical freshness distinct in movies of the time.

One of the silents that will always remain viewable and relevant because of its quality and subject matter, "A Florida Enchantment" is a must see for historians and silent film fans.