Male and Female (1919)

Cecil B. DeMille's 1919 silent film *Male and Female* stars the iconic Gloria Swanson as Lady Mary Lasenby, a pampered and imperious socialite accustomed to having her every whim indulged. Her world is turned upside down when a shipwreck strands her on a deserted island with a small group of survivors, including her stoic and capable butler, Crichton (Thomas Meighan). Stripped of her wealth and privilege, Mary must confront her own shallow nature and learn to appreciate the true value of courage, resourcefulness, and genuine connection – qualities embodied by the very man she once considered her social inferior. As societal roles are eroded by their desperate circumstances, a surprising and transformative bond develops between them, forcing Mary to question everything she thought she knew about herself and the world. *Male and Female* earns its place among DeMille's best for its blend of lavish spectacle, social commentary, and engaging character development. The film showcases DeMille's signature grand scale with its elaborate sets (including a memorable Babylonian dream sequence) and exotic costumes. However, it's the film's insightful exploration of class dynamics and the transformative power of adversity that truly elevates it. Swanson delivers a captivating performance as a woman forced to confront her own flaws and ultimately redefine her understanding of love and admiration. The film's romantic tension, coupled with its visual grandeur and surprisingly progressive themes for its time, solidifies its standing as a landmark achievement in DeMille's impressive filmography.