'49–'17

Plot

Judge Lemuel Satterlee, who participated in the California Gold Rush of 1849, becomes nostalgic for those adventurous times and decides to recreate the experience by hiring an acting troupe to stage a mock gold rush in his small town. The theatrical production takes an unexpected turn when the actors accidentally stumble upon a genuine gold deposit nearby, transforming their make-believe adventure into a real-life gold rush. As fortune seekers flood the town, the situation becomes dangerous when a ruthless gambler named Jim Blake kidnaps the judge's daughter, Mary, hoping to use her as leverage to control the newfound wealth. The judge must now lead a rescue mission while managing the chaos of the authentic gold rush he inadvertently created. The film blends comedy, drama, and Western elements as the line between performance and reality blurs, ultimately testing the characters' true nature when faced with genuine danger and opportunity.

Historical Background

The year 1917 was a pivotal time in American cinema and world history. The United States entered World War I in April 1917, which had significant effects on the film industry, including government censorship and the need for patriotic content. Despite these challenges, 1917 saw the release of many notable films, including some of the most influential works of the silent era. The film industry was also undergoing major structural changes, with Hollywood firmly establishing itself as the center of American film production. Ruth Ann Baldwin's work as a director during this period is particularly noteworthy, as the number of women directors would dramatically decrease by the 1920s as the studio system consolidated and became more male-dominated. The Western genre was evolving during this period, moving away from the simple good-versus-evil narratives of earlier films toward more complex storytelling that incorporated elements of comedy and drama.

Making Of

The production of '49-'17' faced several challenges typical of outdoor Westerns of the era. The cast and crew had to contend with unpredictable weather conditions while shooting the exterior scenes. Ruth Ann Baldwin, known for her hands-on directing style, reportedly worked closely with the actors to achieve the right balance between the film's comedic and dramatic elements. The American Film Company's 'Flying A' studio was known for its efficient production methods, and this film was reportedly completed in just under two weeks, which was remarkably fast even by 1917 standards. Baldwin was particularly praised by her contemporaries for her ability to coordinate large group scenes, which were essential for the gold rush sequences. The film's special effects, while primitive by modern standards, were considered innovative for their time, especially in the scenes depicting the discovery of gold.

Visual Style

The cinematography of '49-'17' was handled by an uncredited cameraman from the American Film Company. The film utilized natural lighting for many of its exterior scenes, which was common practice for outdoor Westerns of the period. The camera work includes several wide shots to capture the scope of the gold rush sequences, as well as medium shots for the dramatic scenes. The film makes effective use of location shooting in the California landscape, which doubled for both the 1849 and 1917 settings. While the camera work is relatively static by modern standards, it includes some movement in the action sequences, reflecting the evolving techniques of the period. The visual contrast between the theatrical reenactment scenes and the 'real' gold rush scenes is achieved through differences in lighting and composition, helping to distinguish between the two narrative strands.

Innovations

While '49-'17' does not represent major technical breakthroughs, it demonstrates the solid craftsmanship typical of American Film Company productions. The film makes effective use of location shooting, which was becoming more common in 1917 as cameras became more portable. The editing techniques employed, including cross-cutting between parallel actions, were standard for the period but show the growing sophistication of film language. The film's special effects, particularly in the gold discovery scenes, used practical effects that were convincing enough for contemporary audiences. The production also managed to create distinct visual styles for the 1849 reenactment sequences and the 1917 present-day scenes, demonstrating attention to period detail within the constraints of a modest budget.

Music

As a silent film, '49-'17' would have been accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. The typical accompaniment would have included a pianist or small orchestra providing mood-appropriate music that changed to match the action on screen. For the Western elements, popular tunes of the period might have included Stephen Foster songs or other 19th-century American melodies. The dramatic scenes would have been accompanied by more serious classical pieces, while the comedic moments would have featured lighter, more playful music. The exact musical selections for this particular film are not documented, which is common for many silent productions. Modern screenings of the film typically feature newly composed scores or carefully selected period-appropriate music.

Memorable Scenes

• The moment when the actors discover real gold during their staged reenactment, transforming their playful performance into a genuine gold rush frenzy
• The dramatic kidnapping sequence where the gambler abducts the judge's daughter, raising the stakes from comedy to serious drama
• The climactic rescue scene where the judge leads a posse to save his daughter, blending Western action with emotional family drama

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of '49-'17' were generally positive, with critics particularly praising the film's novel premise and Baldwin's direction. The Moving Picture World noted that the film 'offers an interesting variation on the familiar Western theme' and commended Baldwin for her 'sure hand in managing the various elements of the story.' Variety appreciated the film's comedic touches and reported that audiences responded well to the blend of humor and adventure. Modern critics have viewed the film primarily through the lens of its historical significance as a work by a female director of the silent era. Film historians have noted that while the film may not rank among the masterpieces of 1917, it represents an important example of the creative diversity that characterized early American cinema before the studio system became more rigid and exclusionary.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1917 reportedly enjoyed '49-'17', particularly appreciating its mix of comedy, romance, and Western action. The film's premise of recreating the gold rush was seen as entertaining and novel by contemporary viewers. Box office records are incomplete, but the film appears to have performed respectably for an independent production of its time. The popularity of Westerns during this period ensured a built-in audience for the film, and the added comedic elements broadened its appeal beyond traditional Western fans. Some modern screenings of the film at silent film festivals have been well-received, with audiences particularly interested in seeing a work directed by one of the few women directors of the silent era.

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