The Clever Mrs. Carfax 1917
Donald Crisp's 1917 silent comedy *The Clever Mrs. Carfax* follows Temple Trask, the bold publisher behind a popular newspaper's 'Letters to the Lovelorn' column, where he pens advice under the playful alias 'Mrs. Carfax.
Director: Donald Crisp
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Clever Mrs. Carfax (1917) about?
The film centers on Temple Trask, a newspaper editor who writes under the name 'Mrs. Carfax' and revives his old female impersonation act at a college reunion. When he accepts a bet to enter a restaurant in drag, he unexpectedly reconnects with an old flame and questions his own cynical views on women.
Who directed The Clever Mrs. Carfax?
Donald Crisp, a prolific silent-era director known for his versatility in both acting and filmmaking, helmed *The Clever Mrs. Carfax* with a keen eye for comedic timing.
Who stars in The Clever Mrs. Carfax?
The cast features Julian Eltinge as Temple Trask, Daisy Jefferson as Helen Scott, Noah Beery in a supporting role, and Rosita Marstini among the ensemble.
Is The Clever Mrs. Carfax (1917) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, this silent comedy offers a fun glimpse into 1910s filmmaking, with Julian Eltinge's performance stealing the show. Its blend of farce and gender play makes it a charming curio, especially for fans of early cinema and classic comedy tropes.
How long is The Clever Mrs. Carfax?
Runtime details are not listed for this 1917 silent film.
About The Clever Mrs. Carfax (1917) — When a man's disguise steals the show at a college reunion
Donald Crisp's 1917 silent comedy *The Clever Mrs. Carfax* follows Temple Trask, the bold publisher behind a popular newspaper's 'Letters to the Lovelorn' column, where he pens advice under the playful alias 'Mrs. Carfax.' When Temple attends a college reunion, his old impersonation act—delightfully assuming a woman's persona—becomes the talk of the town, reigniting his knack for disguise. But the real twist arrives when Temple takes on a wager to enter a restaurant in full drag, only to cross paths with Helen Scott and confront his own jaded views on love and femininity.
With its sharp wit and playful subversion of gender norms, this early 20th-century comedy drips with the irreverent charm of silent-era filmmaking. Julian Eltinge shines as Temple, a man who masks his vulnerability behind sarcasm and satire, while Daisy Jefferson and Noah Beery deliver lively supporting turns. The film's breezy tone and clever premise make it a standout in the comedy genre, blending farce with a surprisingly modern critique of cynicism.
*The Clever Mrs. Carfax (1917)* is a delightful relic of early cinema, perfect for fans of classic slapstick and narrative surprises.