A Natural Born Gambler
Plot
A Natural Born Gambler follows the misadventures of a charming but incorrigible gambling enthusiast who finds himself in trouble with the law after being caught in an illegal poker game. After being arrested and thrown into jail, the protagonist spends his night behind bars dreaming of one more chance at the poker table - only to discover that even in his subconscious fantasies, his luck remains as terrible as ever. The film showcases a series of comedic vignettes both in reality and in the dream sequence, highlighting the character's persistent gambling addiction and the humorous consequences that follow. Throughout his ordeal, the gambler maintains his affable nature and optimistic outlook, endearing himself to audiences despite his flaws. The dream sequence serves as a clever narrative device to explore the psychology of addiction while maintaining the film's lighthearted comedic tone.
Director
Cast
About the Production
This film was one of the few produced during the silent era to feature an African American performer in a leading role. Bert Williams, already a famous stage performer, was given unprecedented creative control for the time. The production faced significant challenges due to racial segregation policies of the era, with Williams often having to use separate facilities from white crew members. The dream sequence was considered technically ambitious for 1916, requiring careful choreography and camera work to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
Historical Background
1916 was a pivotal year in American cinema, occurring during the transition from short films to feature-length productions. The film industry was rapidly consolidating in Hollywood, though many productions, including this one, were still being made in New York. This period saw the rise of the star system and the establishment of the studio system. For African Americans, 1916 was a particularly challenging time, as the film industry was overwhelmingly white and Black performers were typically relegated to stereotypical roles. The Great Migration was underway, with millions of African Americans moving from the rural South to urban centers, changing demographics and cultural dynamics. World War I was raging in Europe, though the United States had not yet entered the conflict. In this context, a film starring an African American performer with creative control was exceptionally rare and significant.
Why This Film Matters
'A Natural Born Gambler' holds immense cultural significance as one of the earliest surviving films to feature an African American performer in a leading role with creative control. Bert Williams' success in this medium challenged the prevailing racial barriers in early Hollywood and paved the way for future Black filmmakers and performers. The film demonstrates that African American entertainers could achieve mainstream success and audience appeal even during the deeply segregated era of the 1910s. Williams' sophisticated comedic style and character development in the film helped counteract the racist caricatures that dominated American entertainment at the time. The preservation of this film provides invaluable documentation of early African American cinema and serves as a testament to Williams' pioneering role in breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry.
Making Of
The production of 'A Natural Born Gambler' was groundbreaking for its time, as Bert Williams was granted rare creative freedom as both star and director. Williams, already a legendary figure in vaudeville and Broadway, brought his stage expertise to the new medium of cinema. The film was produced by the Biograph Company, which had previously worked with D.W. Griffith. Williams insisted on including the elaborate dream sequence, which required innovative camera techniques and multiple set changes. The production team faced numerous logistical challenges due to the racial segregation of the era, with Williams often having to prepare in separate facilities from white crew members. Despite these obstacles, the cast and crew reportedly maintained a professional and collaborative atmosphere. Wes Jenkins, who played the supporting role, was a veteran character actor who had appeared in numerous silent films and provided excellent comic chemistry with Williams.
Visual Style
The cinematography by Arthur Edeson employed innovative techniques for the dream sequence, using soft focus and double exposure to distinguish between reality and fantasy. The jail scenes were shot with low-key lighting to create a somber atmosphere, contrasting with the brighter, more dynamic lighting of the gambling scenes. The camera work was relatively static, as was typical for 1916, but included some subtle movements during the poker games to follow the action. The film used close-ups more extensively than many contemporaries, particularly to capture Williams' expressive facial comedy.
Innovations
The film's most significant technical achievement was its sophisticated use of the dream sequence as a narrative device, which was relatively rare in 1916. The seamless transition between reality and dream state required careful editing and camera work. The production also employed innovative lighting techniques to create distinct atmospheres for different settings. The film's pacing and rhythm demonstrated Williams' understanding of cinematic timing, translating his stage comedy expertise effectively to the new medium.
Music
As a silent film, 'A Natural Born Gambler' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The score would typically have been provided by a theater organist or small orchestra, following the mood of each scene. For the gambling scenes, upbeat ragtime music would have been appropriate, while the jail sequence would have featured more somber melodies. The dream sequence might have included more fantastical or whimsical musical selections. No original score survives, but modern restorations have been accompanied by newly composed period-appropriate music.
Famous Quotes
Even in dreams, the cards remember their master
A gambler's luck is like a shadow - it follows you everywhere
Some men are born to win, others are born to play
Memorable Scenes
- The elaborate dream sequence where Williams plays poker with imaginary opponents, featuring surreal visual effects and exaggerated comedy that blurs the line between fantasy and reality
Did You Know?
- Bert Williams was the first African American to star in a motion picture and have creative control over his films
- This film was one of the earliest examples of a dream sequence in American cinema
- Williams performed in blackface despite being African American, which was common for Black performers of the era to gain wider acceptance
- The poker scenes featured actual card tricks and sleight of hand techniques that Williams had perfected in his stage performances
- The film was considered lost for decades before being rediscovered and preserved by the Library of Congress
- Williams was reportedly paid $1,000 per week for this film, an extraordinary salary for any actor in 1916
- The jail set was built on the same Biograph studio lot where D.W. Griffith had filmed many of his early masterpieces
- This was one of only two films Williams directed during his career
- The film's title was a reference to Williams' popular stage persona as a 'natural born' comedian
- Contemporary advertisements promised audiences would 'laugh until their sides ache'
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics praised the film for its originality and Williams' comedic timing. The Moving Picture World noted that 'Williams brings his stage magic to the screen with remarkable success.' Variety complimented the film's 'inventive dream sequence' and 'naturalistic performances.' Modern film historians have recognized the film as a landmark achievement in African American cinema. Critics have noted the sophisticated narrative structure and Williams' nuanced performance that transcended the racial stereotypes of the era. The film is now studied as an important example of early American comedy and a rare surviving work from a pioneering Black filmmaker.
What Audiences Thought
The film was reportedly popular with audiences of all races when released in 1916. Theater owners reported strong attendance, particularly in urban areas where Williams was already well-known from his stage performances. African American audiences particularly embraced the film as a rare example of positive representation on screen. The gambling theme resonated with working-class audiences who understood the temptations and consequences of games of chance. Modern audiences who have seen the restored version often express surprise at the sophistication of the comedy and the timeless appeal of Williams' performance.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Vaudeville comedy traditions
- Stage melodrama
- Contemporary gambling culture
- Silent film comedy conventions
This Film Influenced
- Later African American comedies
- Dream sequence films of the 1920s
- Gambling-themed comedies
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Film Restoration
The film was considered lost for many years but was rediscovered and preserved by the Library of Congress. It has been restored and is available through various archival collections. The preservation quality is remarkably good for a film of this age, though some deterioration is visible in certain scenes.