The Awakening (1917 film)

The Awakening is a 1917 American silent drama film directed by George Archainbaud and starring Dorothy Dalton. The film is based on the novel "The Awakening of Helena Richie" by Margaret Deland.

The story centers on Helena Richie (Dalton), a woman who is estranged from her religious husband and struggling to reconcile her desires with societal expectations and her own moral compass. She falls in love with a younger man, Lloyd Pryor, and their relationship becomes a focal point of scandal in their small town.

The film explores themes of adultery, social hypocrisy, and the societal constraints placed upon women in the early 20th century. Helena is depicted as a woman trapped by circumstance and yearning for fulfillment outside of her marriage. The film follows her internal struggles as she navigates her feelings for Lloyd and the disapproval of her community.

While prints of The Awakening are believed to exist, its preservation status and accessibility are not widely known. The film provides a glimpse into the social and moral anxieties of the period and offers a portrayal of a woman challenging the conventions of her time.