Watch Johanna Enlists

Johanna Enlists is a silent black and white film from the World War I era, showcasing the charms and talents of one of the biggest stars of the silent screen, Mary Pickford. Known as "America's Sweetheart," Pickford was not just the star but also the producer of the film, exerting a significant amount of control over her projects, which was somewhat uncommon for actors at the time, especially women.

The film, released in 1918, was directed by William Desmond Taylor, who was a prominent director of silent films, with a significant number of successful projects under his belt. Aside from Pickford, the film features the acting talents of Anne Schaefer and Fred Huntley in supporting roles, enhancing the film's charm with their strong performances.

The story of Johanna Enlists is based on the play "The Mobilization of Johanna" by Rupert Hughes. The film is set during World War I and revolves around Johanna Ransdell, played by Mary Pickford, who resides on her family's farm. Johanna is a free-spirited and tomboyish young woman who yearns for adventure and romance that her current environment fails to provide. Her father, played by Fred Huntley, and her mother, portrayed by Anne Schaefer, are simple country folks who find Joanna's antics and dreams to be a bit bewildering.

The plot takes an intriguing turn when a regiment of soldiers sets up a training camp near the Ransdell farm. Suddenly, Johanna's mundane life is turned upside down as the arrival of the soldiers introduces her to the excitement and drama she has longed for. The military camp brings many young men into Johanna's previously uneventful world, providing her with the opportunity to engage with individuals beyond her immediate family and to experience the broader world.

Johanna then decides to enlist in her own unique way. Eager to be part of the war effort, she throws herself into supporting the troops. With her energetic and patriotic spirit, she devotes herself to lifting the morale of the soldiers and providing support however she can. Her dynamic presence and enthusiasm make her a beloved figure among the men, giving her a sense of purpose and belonging she had not found back on the farm. Johanna's interactions with the soldiers bring about comedic and endearing moments, as her resourcefulness and charm shine through.

As she becomes more involved with the soldiers and their needs, Johanna experiences personal growth, and the audience sees her character evolve from the naïve country girl to a more rounded young woman. Along the way, Mary Pickford's portrayal of Johanna captures the audience with her infectious charisma and comedic timing, which were hallmarks of her successful career.

While Johanna Enlists is a silent film, the lack of spoken dialogue does not hinder the on-screen chemistry or the narrative's progression. Instead, it highlights the physicality and expressiveness that were essential in silent film acting. The actors' performances bridge the gap, conveying emotion and humor through exaggerated facial expressions and body movements. This physical storytelling, combined with title cards providing dialogue and necessary information, allows viewers to easily follow the storyline and become emotionally invested in the characters and their journey.

The film also serves as a slice-of-life piece, capturing the zeitgeist of the era it represents: the enthusiasm for the war effort, the patriotic fervor sweeping through communities, and the social dynamics of a country mobilizing for global conflict. It offers a glimpse into how everyday Americans, particularly women, contributed to the war effort from the home front. Even through its lighthearted tone, Johanna Enlists subtly acknowledges the larger historical context of World War I, humanizing the soldiers and those they left behind.

Johanna Enlists maintained social relevance during its release, as audiences at the time would have easily identified with the national sentiments and the characters' experiences. The film is not just a work of entertainment but also a cultural artifact, reflecting the values and spirit of the American people during one of the most significant periods in modern history.

In summary, Johanna Enlists is a silent comedy-drama that allows viewers to embark on a journey with a charismatic and unlikely heroine. The film is a testament to Mary Pickford's star power and her ability to captivate audiences with her endearing screen presence. It celebrates not only the spirit of the American home front during World War I but also the emergent role of women in society - all wrapped in a narrative that is equal parts heartwarming and humorous.

Johanna Enlists is a 1918 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.