Flaming Youth Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: Flaming Youth
| Movie | Flaming Youth |
| Release Year | 1923 |
| Director | John Francis Dillon |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 90 minutes (1h 30m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Flaming Youth (1923) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 3.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Flaming Youth are led by Colleen Moore . The supporting cast, including Milton Sills and Elliott Dexter , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Flaming Youth does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Flaming Youth has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Flaming Youth
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1923, Flaming Youth is a Drama film directed by John Francis Dillon, written by Harry O. Hoyt. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Colleen Moore as Patricia Fentriss.
Ending Explained: Flaming Youth
Flaming Youth Ending Explained: When Mona Frentiss dies, she has her confidante "Doctor Bobs" watch over her family, especially her youngest daughter Patricia. Directed by John Francis Dillon, this 1923 drama film stars Colleen Moore (Patricia Fentriss), alongside Milton Sills as Cary Scott, Elliott Dexter as Dr. Bobs, Sylvia Breamer as Dee Fentriss. Rated 3.8/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Flaming Youth?
When Mona Frentiss dies, she has her confidante "Doctor Bobs" watch over her family, especially her youngest daughter Patricia. The family has been raised in a most unconventional manner, with Mona having a much younger lover and the father Ralph keeping his own lover on the side. As Patricia grows older, she attracts the attention of her mother's former lover, the much older (than Patricia, who in the book is in her early to mid teens) Carey Scott. Patricia tempts fate with her wild ways, nearly loses her virtue to a musician aboard an ocean-going boat, and is saved in time by Carey. Realizing that he is the man for her, she settles down into an experimental marriage.
John Francis Dillon's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Colleen Moore (Patricia Fentriss)'s journey. The family has been raised in a most unconventional manner, with Mona having a much younger lover and the father Ralph keeping his own lover on the side.
How Does Colleen Moore (Patricia Fentriss)'s Story End?
- Colleen Moore: Colleen Moore's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Milton Sills (Cary Scott): Milton Sills's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Elliott Dexter (Dr. Bobs): Elliott Dexter's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Flaming Youth Mean?
The ending of Flaming Youth brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Colleen Moore's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Flaming Youth Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Flaming Youth Based on a True Story?
No, Flaming Youth is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by John Francis Dillon and starring Colleen Moore may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Flaming Youth?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Flaming Youth Parents Guide & Age Rating
1923 AdvisoryWondering about Flaming Youth age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Flaming Youth (1923) is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Directed by John Francis Dillon, the film runs for 90 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 3.8/10, and global performance metrics, Flaming Youth is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1923 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flaming Youth worth watching?
Flaming Youth is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 3.8/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Flaming Youth parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Flaming Youth identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Flaming Youth (1923)?
The runtime of Flaming Youth (1923) is 90 minutes (approximately 1h 30m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.




