It is a 1927 silent romantic comedy produced and released by Paramount Pictures, directed by Clarence G. Badger and starring Clara Bow. Based on a popular concept promoted by novelist Elinor Glyn, the film turned a single syllable—"It"—into a catchphrase for irresistible charm and modern female magnetism. Presented with English intertitles, physical comedy and expressive closeups, the picture helped define the era's image of youthful independence and the flapper spirit.

Plot and principal performers

The narrative follows a spirited department-store shopgirl who boldly pursues the handsome, wealthy man who works above her. Clara Bow plays the enterprising heroine whose energy and self-assurance drive the romantic comedy; Antonio Moreno appears as the affluent suitor. The story unfolds through visual gags, situational comedy and the expressive acting typical of late silent cinema, with the heroine's confidence and sexual frankness forming the film's central motif.

Production and publicity

Elinor Glyn, whose writings helped define the idea of "It" as an attractive quality beyond purely physical beauty, was associated with the film's publicity. Studio marketing emphasized Bow's persona and the new celebrity culture of the 1920s, turning the movie into more than a simple romance: it became a vehicle for a new kind of star image. The phrase "It girl" entered popular usage to describe women perceived as alluring, fashionable and charismatic.

Reception and cultural impact

On release the film was a popular success and established Clara Bow as a national celebrity often described as the original "It girl." Critics and audiences praised her vivacity and screen presence, and the film is frequently cited in discussions of gender, fashion and the Roaring Twenties because it reflects shifting attitudes about women's public roles and sexual autonomy. Witty commentators of the time picked up the phrase and occasional quips—such as one attributed to Dorothy Parker—became part of the film's popular lore.

Preservation and availability

Many silent-era works were lost, but a print of It was recovered in Prague in the 1960s, enabling restorations and renewed viewings at festivals and in archives. Recognizing its importance to American film history, the United States National Film Registry selected the picture for preservation as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Modern restorations and home-video releases have made the film accessible to scholars and general audiences, and archival programs continue to place it in historical context.

Legacy and study

Today the film is studied both as entertainment and as a cultural document. Film historians examine its role in the development of studio publicity, star-making machinery, and the visual language of silent romantic comedy. It remains an emblematic example of how popular cinema helped shape social attitudes and fashions in the 1920s, and Clara Bow's performance continues to be taught and screened in retrospectives and courses on early Hollywood.

Notable facts

  • The picture is a textbook example of late silent-era romantic comedy driven by a star performance.
  • Clara Bow became synonymous with the term "It" and is still remembered as a defining silent-film star.
  • The concept of "It" was popularized in part by Elinor Glyn, who linked the term to personal magnetism more than to a single trait.
  • A copy long thought lost was discovered in Prague in the 1960s, which permitted restoration work to proceed.
  • The film was added to the National Film Registry as a work worthy of preservation.
  • The Registry entry and related documentation are maintained by the Library of Congress, which provides research resources for scholars.

As a window onto the late silent era, It remains notable for its combination of brisk storytelling, star-driven promotion and cultural resonance. The film's popularity helped codify ideas about celebrity, modern femininity and the playfully provocative tone that characterized much of 1920s popular culture.