"Camille" (1921) - with film
Patsy Ruth Miller and Alla Nazimova
Directed by Ray C. Smallwood
Produced by The Nazimova Productions, Incorporated
Written by June Mathis
Based on the novel The Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre Dumas
Starring Alla Nazimova, Rudolph Valentino, Patsy Ruth Miller, Rex Cherryman, Arthur Hoyt
Set design Natasha Rambova
Cinematography R.J. Bergquist
Distributed by Metro Pictures Corporation
Release date September 26, 1921
Running time 70 minutes
Country United States
Language Silent film, English intertitles
"Camille" (1921) is a drama, included in our program to illustrate the work and contributions of our star Patsy Ruth Miller.
This is just the second film of Patsy Ruth Miller and the one in which she played her first credited role. She was 17. Two years later she would achieve fame starring in the role of Esmeralda in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", where she partnered with Lon Chaney and Norman Kerry. Thus, in "Camille" (1921) we can see the beginning of Patsy Ruth Miller's rise to stardom. The film is also notable for its rich decors and costumes.
Alla Nazimova plays a courtesan, who shows a flamboyant image to the world, but in private is a sick and vulnerable woman. Then one day she in introduced to a young man (Rudolph Valentino), who falls for her charms.
With the new romance Alla Nazimova tries to start a different life and leave her troubled past behind. The two lovers have a brief period of bliss, which is interrupted when Rudolph's father pays a visit to Nazimova. He demands that she give Rudolph up for the sake of his future.
Will Alla Nazimova fight for her only chance to have love and happiness, or will she yield to Rudolph's father and return to her old ways?
Click to enlarge:
Camille
Alla-Nazimova-in-Camille-1921-1.jpg
Alla Nazimova shows a flamboyant image to the world in "Camille" (1921).
Alla-Nazimova-and-Arthur-Hoyt-in-Camille-1921-2.jpg
Alla Nazimova tells Arthur Hoyt "Only after you put a jewel in my hand!" in "Camille" (1921).
Alla-Nazimova-in-Camille-1921-3.jpg
Alla Nazimova in private is a sick and vulnerable woman in "Camille" (1921).
Patsy-Ruth-Miller-in-Camille-1921-5.jpg
Patsy Ruth Miller comes to visit her friend Alla Nazimova in "Camille" (1921).
Rex-Cherryman-and-Patsy-Ruth-Miller-and-Alla-Nazimova-in-Camille-1921-6.jpg
Alla Nazimova teaches Rex Cherryman some manners and he shows welcome attention to Patsy Ruth Miller in "Camille" (1921).
Rex-Cherryman-and-Patsy-Ruth-Miller-and-Alla-Nazimova-in-Camille-1921-9.jpg
Rex Cherryman and Patsy Ruth Miller have a hard time letting go of each other's hand as Alla Nazimova looks on in "Camille" (1921).
Alla-Nazimova-and-Rudolph-Valentino-in-Camille-1921-10.jpg
Rudolph Valentino falls for Alla Nazimova in "Camille" (1921).
Arthur-Hoyt-in-Camille-1921-11.jpg
Arthur Hoyt has some words for Alla Nazimova in "Camille" (1921).
Alla-Nazimova-and-Rudolph-Valentino-and-Arthur-Hoyt-in-Camille-1921-12.jpg
Arthur Hoyt confronts Alla Nazimova as Rudolph Valentino and the rest of the crowd look on in "Camille" (1921).
Alla-Nazimova-and-Rudolph-Valentino-in-Camille-1921-13.jpg
Rudolph Valentino courts Alla Nazimova in "Camille" (1921).
Alla-Nazimova-and-Rudolph-Valentino-in-Camille-1921-14.jpg
Alla Nazimova and Rudolph Valentino have a romance in "Camille" (1921).
Patsy-Ruth-Miller-in-Camille-1921-15.jpg
Patsy Ruth Miller looks at her engagement ring in "Camille" (1921).
Patsy-Ruth-Miller-and-Alla-Nazimova-in-Camille-1921-20.jpg
Alla Nazimova marvels at Patsy Ruth Miller's engagement ring in "Camille" (1921).
Alla-Nazimova-and-William-Orlamond-in-Camille-1921-20.jpg
Rudolph Valentino's father (William Orlamond) demands that Alla Nazimova give Rudolph up for the sake of his future in "Camille" (1921).
Rex-Cherryman-and-Patsy-Ruth-Miller-in-Camille-1921-22.jpg
Rex Cherryman and Patsy Ruth Miller speak with Alla Nazimova's maid in "Camille" (1921).
Patsy Ruth Miller