Joan Crawford Debuts in 1925’s ‘Pretty Ladies’

“Pretty Ladies” (1925), which screens today at the Silent Movie, would be totally forgotten had it not marked the screen debut of Joan Crawford. Directed by Monta Bell from a story by Adela Rogers St. John, it’s a minor backstage drama centering on the lonely star comedian of a Ziegfeld Follies-type revue (an ever-wistful ZaSu Pitts), who falls for an aspiring songwriter (Tom Moore) only to have him vamped by a glamorous soubrette (Lilyan Tashman).

A standout from the start with her vitality and striking eyes, Crawford is featured as a chorus girl kindly to Pitts. Cedric Gibbons’ sets and Ethel Chaffin’s costumes supply the usual Metro gloss. Conrad Nagel and Norma Shearer are listed as guests stars, but Shearer seems to have ended up on the cutting-room floor. Second feature: “Dr. Jack” (1922), with Harold Lloyd and his wife, Mildred Davis. Gaylord Carter will provide organ accompaniment.