Phil for Short
Oscar Apfel / US, 1919 / 82 min.
Sapphist Phil and the misogynist John are both professors of Greek in this 1919 comedy about gender bending and modern romance. Features live music. Screening accompanies the ‘Point of View’ exhibition at the Rijksmuseum about gender through the ages.
After her father’s death, Damophilia – or Phil ('Phil for Short') – runs away, posing as her supposed twin brother to avoid an arranged marriage. She attempts to seduce John Alden, a polyglot misogynist who is terrified of women. The film’s dialogue – co-written by Clara Beranger, a prolific screenwriter with more than eighty credits to her name, including lots of ’30s romantic comedies – crackles with wit and innuendo: “My husband’s all right, but he’s not vital.”
With live music from Martin de Ruiter (piano).
Point of View
We are screening this film in cooperation with the Rijksmuseum to accompany their Point of View exhibition. Why did women have to fight to wear trousers? Did all children wear skirts in the 17th century? And what does the size of your desk say about your gender? Point of View reveals how ideas about gender have been presented through time, and how these are constantly changing.
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Details
Director
Oscar Apfel
Production year
1919
Country
US
Original title
Phil for Short
Length
82 min.
Language
live music, English
Subtitles
NONE
Format
DCP
Part of
Eye on Sound
With Eye on Sound, Eye focuses on the special relationship between image and sound. Expect live music to silent films, live bands from today to classics of yesteryear, brand new scores to films from the versatile Eye collection and special attention to the often neglected art of sound design.
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