The Kiss

About This Movie

The Kiss (1914) is a fascinating piece of early cinema that embodies the drama of its time, with a unique narrative rooted in a story by Marc Edmund Jones. Ulysses Davis’s direction, while not widely known, offers a subtle exploration of longing and intimacy. The pacing feels deliberate, allowing the emotional weight of the performances to resonate, especially with William Desmond Taylor’s rare role as an actor. The film's atmosphere is reflective of its era, showcasing the silent film era’s capacity for storytelling without dialogue. It’s intriguing to think about how it had been lost to time before resurfacing on platforms like YouTube, making it a treasure for collectors interested in early film history.

The Kiss has had a tumultuous preservation history, long considered lost until its surprise appearance on YouTube, which has sparked renewed interest among collectors. Its scarcity makes it a notable find, particularly for those focusing on the silent film era. Given William Desmond Taylor's involvement, the film holds a place of intrigue, especially since it's the only known piece where he performed as an actor, adding to its collectible allure.