At the Stage Door

At the Stage Door, also known by its working title Women of Conquest, is a 1921 silent American romantic drama film directed by Christy Cabanne.

The film gives a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes reality of life in the New York theater, as seen by a small town girl trying to make it in the big city.

She gets a part as a chorus girl in a Broadway production, but refuses to give in to the wanton lifestyle so prevalent among the other dancers.

Mary is saved by the intervention of Philip Pierce, the heir of a socially prominent family, who punches out the stage manager.

However, at the insistence of his friends, who feel that "all chorus girls are alike", Philip makes a dishonorable proposition to her.

[4] During filming in November, dozens of members of the press were invited on set to watch the shooting of one of the scenes.

[8] Motion Picture News took the opposite view, holding that Cabanne's vision of New York theater life had "... all the piquancy of theatrical life to fascinate the picture public, and it has also wholesome and at times gripping drama, and plenty of human interest drama."

They felt that the cast was "well-nigh perfect" in their performances, particularly highlighting the work of Billie Dove, stating "... an actress with exactly the wistful, appealing expression needed for such a part."

Billie Dove (seated) along with the rest of the chorus girls