Watch A Florida Enchantment

A Florida Enchantment is a comedic silent film released in 1914, starring Sidney Drew, Edith Storey, and Charles Kent. Directed by and co-starring Mr. Drew himself, this film was produced by Vitagraph Studios. Set in the sunny state of Florida, the movie tells the story of a young woman named Lillian Travers (played by Edith Storey) who inherits a magical ring from a distant African relative. The ring possesses a mystical power that allows Lillian to switch genders at will.

Intrigued by her new power, Lillian tests it out by transforming into a man, Don Dolly, and embarking on a series of adventures throughout Florida. In her male form, Lillian begins to experience life in a completely new way, attracting attention from women and even falling in love with Sylvia Walton (played by Sidney Drew), the fiancée of her male persona's best friend, Dr. Frederic Travers (played by Charles Kent).

As Lillian navigates between her male and female identities, she also encounters various societal biases against women and same-sex attraction. The film touches on themes of gender, sexuality, and identity in a lighthearted and entertaining way that was groundbreaking for its time.

The movie is full of comedic moments, from Lillian's awkward attempts at flirting with women in her male form to the wacky hijinks that ensue as she tries to navigate the complexities of her dual identity. The characters are all well-developed, with Lillian's struggles with societal conventions and social expectations providing a thoughtful backdrop for the humorous plot.

The scenery is also a highlight of the movie, as the characters travel through Florida's various landscapes, from the beach to the swamp, using everything from rowboats to bicycles to get around. The film also features an alligator hunt that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The acting in A Florida Enchantment is top-notch, with each actor bringing their characters to life in a unique and memorable way. Edith Storey is particularly impressive in her portrayal of both Lillian and Don Dolly, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Sidney Drew's performance as Sylvia Walton is also notable, as he brings a subtle depth and complexity to the character that elevates the film beyond a simple comedy.

Overall, A Florida Enchantment is a delightful and entertaining film that is well worth watching even today, over a century after its release. With its groundbreaking approach to themes of gender and sexuality, its colorful characters, and its beautiful Florida scenery, it is a hidden gem of early cinema.

A Florida Enchantment is a 1914 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.