Is Scarlet Days Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1919)

📖 The Core Premise

Scarlet Days stands as a 1919 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Adventure, Romance, Western landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Rosie Nell, a woman of disreputable dance halls in early lawless California, is wrongly charged with the murder of one of her fellow entertainers. Because her daughter, who knows nothing of her mother's station in life, is to return the next day from her school in the east, Rosie is granted three days of grace to be spent in company with her daughter at a nearby cabin. The three days begin happily enough, thanks to the serenades of heroic bandit Alvarez and the poetry of romantic Randolph. But Bagley, the dance hall manager, has seen the daughter and has determined to make her his own."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Richard Barthelmess does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Adventure. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Scarlet Days worth your time? If you appreciate Adventure, Romance, Western films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Scarlet Days is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 77 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.