Olive Thomas "Everybody's Sweetheart"

I think I have what's called "Ollie fever" these days. I've wanted to write about her for a long time, but much like Mary Pickford I can't really pick a topic. I know a lot about Olive, but what exactly to write?

I don't have nearly enough info to write a proper biography for her...there's already a half assed one out in this world. Of her 12 or so films I've now only seen 2. I've covered her fashion influence over at Perpetual Flapper quite a bit...not much new to write about dear Olive Thomas.

Last night I finally seen "The Flapper", which I had not had the privilege of viewing before. Despite being stalked by a kooky it was a fun night. The Silent Movie Theatre bribed moviegoers with half off tickets if they dressed in period attire, so there was a pretty huge crowd of well dressed flappers (and a few boys who resembled Jack Pickford). 'Donation Only' Gin and ice cream sandwiches pretty much made it great (you people, donate to The Silent Movie Theatre NOW!)

Many years ago a documentary was made about Olive called "Olive Thomas: Everybody's Sweetheart" named for her last film. Andi Hicks, Sarah Baker, and super Olive fan Allison Anders (who inspired one of the first posts on FTT) were behind the wonderful documentary. It was thanks to their hardwork that 10 more Olive films were found, and some of the first interest in her renewed.

2 of the 3 ladies were in attendance, with Allison giving a short speech beforehand. She offered a copy of the documentary along with a bichloride bottle as a prize for the person who could answer an Olive question. Simple enough. The question was, "Where did Olive die?" I decided it'd be unfair to answer, knowing all I do, but the audience wasn't getting it. Most said, "Paris!" which is close, but Allison wanted more. I was honestly trying to think of Neuilly-sur-Seine...but it was escaping me. As the audience still couldn't guess and Allison still wanted something more specific I tried, "The American Hospital in Paris". I was right, so I won. I admitted it was probably unfair but dammit...I don't have a copy of The Flapper so nah nah nah nah.

In fairness to Allison though, I'd like to do a little promotion. So for those of you who do not yet have a copy I highly suggest buying "The Olive Thomas Collection" which is basically "The Flapper" and the documentary together. Both are very enjoyable, though I do wish an update could be done on the documentary (they were the first to research so needless to say new things kept coming out, like the odd 1918 marriage date over 1916). So...buy one.

"The Flapper" is an interesting film, flapper in every sense of the word except the fashions (think skanky Edwardian baby vamps over actual flappers.) Olive was delightful, though the plot was a touch thin. I think the thing that shocked me most was the hanging scene...played for comedy Olive's 'Ginger' decides to hang herself when her older lover (in her eyes) spurns her. You literally see Olive tie the rope and get ready to go for it...I can't BELIEVE they would rerun this after her death! Just wow!

As for the mercury bichloride bottle, its an odd little thing. I must confer further with Allison as I am surprised its as small as it is. One theory I've heard is mercury bichloride would be in a bathroom as a cleaner (in powder form, to be mixed with something). But a bottle that small? Just 70 million more questions I guess...