A film is typically considered successful if it manages to attract the audience’s attention and promote discussion. This statement can be applied to Lois Weber’s Where Are My Children? because the picture focused on a topic that was important in the early 20th century. Society was concerned with abortion and birth control practices, and Weber’s film contributed to the discussion. In fact, the film unveiled controversies among supporters and opponents of abortion, while Weber’s leading message was that people should have more carefully approached the question of having a child.
In the beginning, it is necessary to explain what was the source of controversies provoked by the film. On the one hand, there were supporters of abortion, and they advocated for making this practice legal and acceptable. For example, Edith Walton represented this group, and this white-skinned and wealthy woman visited a doctor to have an abortion because she did not want a child to interfere with her social life (Weber, 1916). Such people believed that it was their right to decide whether they would have a child. On the other hand, the opponents of abortion were also numerous and had some arguments to prove their opinion. For instance, Edith’s husband, Richard, was among them, and he was furious when he discovered that his wife had received personal services from a doctor who specialized in abortions (Weber, 1916). Representatives of this group stipulated that abortion could be classified as manslaughter that would finally lead to a race suicide (Weber, 1916). Since these two groups existed in society, it was not surprising that the film evoked much controversy.
Simultaneously, one can suggest that Weber created the film to draw public attention to the existing problem. Even though the two opinions are equally presented in the film, Weber evidently advocated against abortion. The final scene proves this idea because the Waltons are depicted as lonely and joyless, while silent remorse is found in Edith’s eyes (Weber, 1916). Thus, it is possible to characterize the film as a call to action for women to avoid having abortions.
In conclusion, Lois Weber’s Where Are My Children? is a notable and thought-provoking film. It unveiled controversies that existed in society in 1916 regarding the status of abortion. Both supporters and opponents of this practice relied on various arguments to prove their position. However, Weber used the picture to demonstrate that she was strongly against abortion. It is only possible to suppose what arguments made her think so, but the image of a lonely elderly family was a strong motivational factor to have children.
Reference
Weber, L. (1916). Where are my children? [Film]. Lois Weber Productions.