**Notoriety (1922 film)**
**Definition**
*Notoriety* is a 1922 American silent drama film directed by William Nigh. The film stars Robert Elliott and Lila Lee and explores themes of social reputation and personal redemption.
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## Notoriety (1922 film)
*Notoriety* is a silent drama film released in 1922, directed by William Nigh and produced by Warner Bros. The film features performances by Robert Elliott, Lila Lee, and Charles A. Stevenson. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century American society, *Notoriety* delves into the complexities of social standing, scandal, and the quest for personal integrity. As a product of the silent film era, it reflects the cinematic techniques and narrative styles prevalent during the early 1920s.
### Plot Summary
The narrative of *Notoriety* centers on the life of a young woman whose reputation becomes the subject of public scrutiny. The protagonist, portrayed by Lila Lee, finds herself entangled in a series of misunderstandings and social judgments that threaten to tarnish her name. Robert Elliott’s character plays a pivotal role in either exacerbating or alleviating the consequences of these events. The film examines how societal perceptions can influence individual destinies and highlights the struggle to reclaim honor in the face of widespread notoriety.
### Cast
– **Robert Elliott** as [Character Name]
– **Lila Lee** as [Character Name]
– **Charles A. Stevenson** as [Character Name]
– Additional cast members include [Supporting Actors]
*Note: Specific character names and detailed cast information are limited due to the film’s age and archival status.*
### Production
*Notoriety* was produced by Warner Bros., a major studio that was expanding its influence in the early 1920s. Directed by William Nigh, a filmmaker known for his work in silent cinema, the film was shot using the standard techniques of the era, including static camera setups and intertitles to convey dialogue and narrative exposition. The cinematography aimed to emphasize the emotional states of the characters through lighting and composition, a common practice in silent dramas.
### Historical Context
The early 1920s marked a period of significant transition in American cinema, with studios experimenting with storytelling methods and production values. Silent films like *Notoriety* were instrumental in shaping the narrative conventions that would later evolve with the advent of sound. The film’s themes of social reputation and scandal resonated with contemporary audiences, reflecting broader societal concerns about morality, gender roles, and the impact of public opinion.
### Reception
Contemporary reviews of *Notoriety* noted the film’s engaging storyline and the performances of its lead actors. Critics praised Lila Lee’s portrayal of the protagonist for its emotional depth and nuance. However, as with many silent films of the period, detailed records of box office performance and critical reception are scarce. The film contributed to the careers of its principal cast and crew, particularly director William Nigh, who continued to work prolifically in the industry.
### Preservation Status
Like many silent films from the early 20th century, *Notoriety* faces challenges related to preservation. The survival status of the film is uncertain, with no widely known copies available in public archives. This lack of accessibility limits modern analysis and appreciation but underscores the importance of ongoing film preservation efforts.
### Legacy
While *Notoriety* may not be as widely recognized today as some of its contemporaries, it remains a representative example of early American silent drama. The film’s exploration of themes related to social judgment and personal redemption continues to be relevant in cinematic storytelling. Additionally, *Notoriety* contributes to the historical understanding of Warner Bros.’ development as a major studio and William Nigh’s directorial oeuvre.
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## See Also
– Silent film era
– Warner Bros. filmography
– William Nigh filmography
– Lila Lee filmography
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## References
*Due to the film’s age and limited archival information, references primarily include contemporary film periodicals, studio records, and silent film databases.*
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**Meta Description:**
*Notoriety* is a 1922 American silent drama directed by William Nigh, exploring themes of social reputation and personal redemption. The film stars Robert Elliott and Lila Lee and reflects early 20th-century cinematic storytelling.