Child Bride

Child Bride, released in 1938 and directed by Harry Revier, was a controversial film that aimed to problematize and expose the issue of child marriage, a prevalent social problem in some parts of America during that time. Aiming for social relevance and reform, this production starkly highlights the enduring struggle for the education and rights of girls.

The film stars Shirley Mills in the central role of Jennie Colton - a 12-year-old schoolgirl in a rural Appalachian community named Thunderhead Mountain. Mills, who was twelve at the time of filming, delivers a stirring performance. She skillfully portrays the innocence and vulnerability of a young girl, subjected to the longstanding tradition. Her performance emotionally resonates with the audience, invoking feelings of sympathy and horror.

Bob Bollinger plays the character of Freddie Nulty, a boy of Jennie's age, who is her best friend and protector. They share a bond of deep childhood friendship, their innocence unmarred by the often cold realities of their lives. Bollinger does an excellent job in bringing out the anguish and helplessness of a friend who wishes to protect Jennie from a terrible fate but is hampered by his age and social norms.

Warner Richmond plays Jake Bolby, a much older man, who represents the enforcing patriarchal figure. His presence adds a sinister and alarming dimension to the narrative. Richmond's portrayal is effective in evoking a feeling of disgust and fear for his character, which only serves to heighten the film's impact.

In Child Bride, the story revolves around young Jennie being pressured into marrying an older man, Jake Bolby, in the rural community where older men marrying very young girls was customary. Her school teacher Miss Carol, played by Diana Durrell, confronts this tradition and fights to educate the community about the mental and physical implications of underage marriage on young girls.

The lush natural beauty of the Appalachian countryside serves as a stark contrast to the grim reality of child marriage, providing a visually powerful backdrop for the unfolding narrative. The director uses this setting to emphasize both the isolation that permits such practices to continue and the contrast between natural beauty and human ugliness.

The direction and screenplay direct our focus towards the harsh reality of child marriage, horrendous in a modern context but depicted factually set within its time. A certain level of realism characterizes the narrative, and although the subject matter is deeply disturbing, Revier successfully manages to keep the narrative moving without being overly sensationalist or exploitative.

Child Bride also addresses the theme of education and enlightenment against ignorance and oppression. The film underlines the power of education as a potential weapon against barbaric traditions. Jennie's schoolteacher symbolizes this beacon of hope, seeking to spark change, highlighting the importance of women's education to overcome social evils.

This movie incorporated several elements of exploitation cinema to draw attention and raise awareness about the then issue of child marriage in certain parts of America. Therefore, Child Bride is considered a part of the exploitation genre. However, it's important to remember that the film isn't just about titillation. Instead, it delivers an extremely dark narrative that highlights a social issue, and still, unfortunately, a relevant subject of conversation globally.

Child Bride is thus, not just a film. It serves as a vivid time capsule of an era fraught with complex challenges surrounding gender and childhood. While the film undeniably courts controversy, its central message - challenging the legal and moral validity of child marriage and championing the importance of education – lifts it beyond mere sensationalism. Mature audiences may find Child Bride a grim viewing experience, but one that is significant in promoting understanding and conversation about a disturbing aspect of human society.