"The Red Kimona" is a laudable attempt at addressing a social problem that, alas, is undermined by the cliched performance of its leading lady. It's a rare and interesting effort, produced by actress Dorothy Davenport Reid as part of her ongoing series of dramas addressing societal ills such as drug addiction and prostitution. But, while I believe Priscilla Bonner's performance in the leading role is sincerely felt, she uses almost every expression that's come to represent silent-film acting at its most mechanical. (She's also a dead ringer for Colleen Moore, but, alas, lacks that lady's natural acting instincts.) Her acting actually dates the film more than the settings or subject matter. While the film is certainly worth a look due to its historic import, it won't bear up under repeated viewings.
Review of The Red Kimono
