Reckless Youth on AllMovie

Post-World War I youth were a different breed from prior generations, and this drama, adapted from the Cosmo Hamilton story, banked on that. Unfortunately, the picture relied too much on title cards, and not enough on action. In addition, far too much time was spent making star Elaine Hammerstein look beautiful at the expense of the other players (one of whom was Constance Bennett in one of her very first film roles). Alice Schuyer (Hammerstein) is a willful and headstrong young lady. After being expelled from the Sacred Heart Convent, she is sent to live with her grandparents (Kate Cherry and Frank Currier). She finds life with them far too restrictive so she elopes with John Carmen (Niles Welch), believing that the marriage will bring her freedom at last. She treats Carmen as a pal, completely oblivious to the fact that he dearly loves her. She goes out dancing one night with Harrison Thornby (Huntley Gordon) and Carmen, who has finally had enough, sends her home. On the way back she gets in a wreck and, while unconscious, has a dream in which Thornby takes her on his yacht and attacks her. The yacht wrecks in a storm. When she comes to, Alice resolves to be a real wife to Carmen.