The supplied reference confirms the film's identity, theatrical source, production setting, and adaptation history, but does not provide its scene-by-scene narrative.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Film Identity
The reference identifies the 1923 American production and classifies it as a silent romantic drama. Zaza is presented as the titular protagonist.
Key Events
1923 Film Production — The reference identifies Zaza as an American silent romantic drama released in 1923. Characters: ZazaLocation: Not specified
Zaza Takes Center Stage — Zaza is identified as the titular protagonist and the film's narrative center. Characters: ZazaLocation: Not specified
Silent Drama Format — The reference classifies the film as a silent romantic drama. Characters: ZazaLocation: Not specified
Theatrical Origins
The film is described as an adaptation of an 1899 French play. That play had been produced on Broadway.
Key Events
Silent Drama Format — The reference classifies the film as a silent romantic drama. Characters: ZazaLocation: Not specified
Play Adaptation — The film is based on an 1899 French play with the same title. Characters: ZazaLocation: Not specified
Broadway Source — The source play was produced on Broadway before the 1923 film. Characters: ZazaLocation: Broadway
Production Setting
The supplied information places the shoot at Paramount's Astoria Studios in New York City. No scene-level story events are provided.
Key Events
Astoria Studio Shoot — The reference states that the film was shot at Paramount's Astoria Studios. Characters: ZazaLocation: Paramount's Astoria Studios, New York City
Earlier Film Version — A previous film version was released by Paramount in 1915. Characters: ZazaLocation: Not specified
Adaptation Legacy
The reference notes an earlier 1915 film version and a later 1939 version. These details establish the title's adaptation history rather than a narrative conclusion.
Key Events
Earlier Film Version — A previous film version was released by Paramount in 1915. Characters: ZazaLocation: Not specified
Later Film Version — A third film version was released in 1939. Characters: ZazaLocation: Not specified
Story Breakdown
Film Identity — The reference identifies the 1923 American silent romantic drama and its titular protagonist.
1923 Release — The film is identified as an American production released in 1923.
Titular Protagonist — Zaza is named as the protagonist and narrative center.
Theatrical Origins — The film derives from an earlier French stage work that reached Broadway.
1899 French Play — The film is based on a French play from 1899.
Broadway Production — The source play was produced on Broadway.
Production Setting — The available information identifies the studio and city associated with filming.
Astoria Studios — Filming took place at Paramount's Astoria Studios.
New York City — The named studio is located in New York City.
Version History — The title had film adaptations before and after the 1923 production.
1915 Adaptation — A previous Paramount film version was released in 1915.
1939 Adaptation — A third film version was released in 1939.
Zaza is an actress and the favorite at an open-air theater in a small French town. When diplomat Bernard Dufresne comes to the village, he stays away for fear he will fall for her. But during one performance, while Zaza is singing on a swing, her rival cuts the rope and she falls. Zaza is badly injured and she makes Dufresne's acquaintance. A romance quickly springs up and he installs her in a villa. Their happiness is marred, however, when his wife appears.
