''Closed Gates'' is a 1927 American silent

melodrama film A modern melodrama is a dramatic work in which the plot, typically sensationalized and for a strong emotional appeal, takes precedence over detailed characterization. Melodramas typically concentrate on dialogue that is often bombastic or exces ...

based on a story by Manfred Lee and directed by

Phil Rosen Philip E. Rosen (May 8, 1888 – October 22, 1951) was an American film director and cinematographer. He directed more than 140 films between 1915 and 1949. He was born in Malbork, Marienburg, German Empire (now, Malbork, Poland), grew up ...

. It stars

John Harron John Harron (March 31, 1903 – November 24, 1939) was an American actor. He appeared in more than 160 films between 1918 and 1940. Born in New York, New York, he was the brother of actor Robert Harron and of actress Mary Harron. Harron di ...

Jane Novak Jane Novak (born Johana Barbara Novak; January 12, 1896 – February 3, 1990) was an American actress of the silent film era. Background Jane Novak was born Johana Barbara Novak in St. Louis, Missouri to Bohemian immigrant Joseph Jerome Novak a ...

, and Lucy Beaumont, and was released on June 1, 1927.

Cast list

Plot

George Newell Jr. is the son of wealthy parents. In the days leading up to

World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...

, he disgraces himself and his family. In order to redeem himself, he enlists after the war breaks out. During battle he is injured and loses his memory. He is lovingly cared for by his nurse, with whom he falls in love. While at work, he collapses from exhaustion, and is taken to a sanitarium to recuperate. While there, his father and cousin, Harvey, see him, but do not reveal that they know him. However, the maid, Bridget learns of the younger Newell's plight and brings him back to the family home, where the sight of his mother's wheelchair jogs his memory, and he reconciles with his father.

Preservation

A print of ''Closed Gates'' is held in the French archive Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée in Fort de Bois-d'Arcy.

Reception

At the time of the film's release, ''The New York Times'' published a mostly negative review with the only positive remarks reserved for Jane Novak: "Were it not for Miss Novak there would not be a bright spot in this production." '' Photoplay'' called it a "fair little yarn", but warned viewers not to "expect too much".

References

External links

* * * {{Phil Rosen Films directed by Phil Rosen Melodrama films American silent feature films American black-and-white films 1927 drama films 1927 films 1920s American films Silent American drama films