Scott Lord on Silent Film

Scott Lord on Silent Film
Gendered spectatorship notwithstanding, in a way, the girl coming down the stairs is symbolic of the lost film itself, the unattainable She, idealized beauty antiquated (albeit it being the beginning of Modernism), with the film detective catching a glimpse of the extratextural discourse of periodicals and publicity stills concerning Lost Films, Found Magazines

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Scott Lord Silent Film: The Woman In the Suitcase (Fred Niblo, 1920)


Fred Niblo directed the six reel film "The Woman in the Suitcase" during 1920 for Thomas H. Ince Productions. The photoplay was written by C. Gardner Sullivan. Actress Enid Bennett stars in the film.

The periodical Wid's Daily reviewed the film with, "Old time situation lacks conviction and seldom reaches the entertainment point. Story has been done hundreds of times and isn't different enough to get by on that score." The magazine exhorted, "There is no great reason why you shouldn't play 'The Woman in the Suitcase" and get away with it."

That year Fred Niblo also directed Enid Bennett in the film "Silk Hosiery" (six reels), costarring actress Joan Standing and in the film "Her Husband's Friend"(five reels) co-starring Mae Busch.

Fred Niblo had begun directing during 1918 with the films "The Marriage Ring" (five reels), a lost silent film starring actress Enid Bennett, "Fuss and Feathers" (five reels) a silent film considered to be lost starring Enid Bennett, "When Do We Eat" starring Enid Bennett, "Happy Though Married", and "Partners Three", starring Enid Bennett. Director Fred Niblo and actress Enid Bennett were married in 1918. Picture Play Magazine announced the wedding in their Screen Gossip section.

Silent Film Fred Niblo

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