The First Born (1928 film)
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Elstree , United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
The First Born is a 1928 British silent drama film directed by Miles Mander, who also stars alongside Madeleine Carroll, John Loder, and Ella Atherton. This production was created by Gainsborough Pictures at Elstree Studios, featuring set designs crafted by art director Wilfred Arnold.
Production background
The script, derived from Mander's own novel, was co-authored with Alma Reville. The First Born is recognized for its innovative style and represents a significant example of the late silent era in British cinema, marking a shift toward more sophisticated and naturalistic storytelling, moving away from the exaggerated performances characteristic of earlier silent films.
Plot
Sir Hugo Boycott (Mander), an ambitious politician, struggles in his marriage to Madeleine (Carroll), complicated by his unfaithfulness and her inability to bear a child. After a serious dispute, Hugo leaves for North Africa to be with his mistress. In his absence, Madeleine becomes active in London society and develops a close relationship with Lord David Harbrough (John Loder).
Madeleine decides to adopt the child of her manicurist, who faces hardship due to an unexpected pregnancy. Hugo returns, delighted by the adopted boy he believes to be his biological son, which temporarily improves their marriage. Later, Madeleine gives birth to her own child. As Hugo prepares for a parliamentary campaign, Madeleine's social grace impresses his political allies. Nevertheless, Hugo soon resumes his affair with Nina (Ella Atherton).
As the election approaches, Hugo discovers that the older boy is adopted, triggering a heated argument that leads him to leave for Nina’s home. On election night, after a fight with Nina, Hugo falls accidentally down an empty elevator shaft and dies. After his death, Madeleine learns that the manicurist has received assistance for herself and her son and ironically discovers that Hugo was actually the biological father of the adopted boy. With this knowledge, Madeleine resolves to pursue a relationship with Lord David in hopes of finding fulfillment.
Cast
- Madeleine Carroll as Madeleine, Lady Boycott
- Miles Mander as Sir Hugo Boycott
- John Loder as Lord David Harbrough
- Ella Atherton as Nina de Lande
- Margot Armand as Sylvia Findlay
- Ivo Dawson as Derek Findlay
- Marjorie Roach as Phoebe Chivers
- John St. John as Dicky
- Naomi Jacob as Dot
- Bernard Vaughan as Butler
- Walter Wichelow as Impitt
- Theodore Mander as Stephen Boycott