A Romance of the Redwoods

Plot

During the California Gold Rush of 1849, young Jenny Lawrence travels west to live with her uncle, whom she has never met. Upon arriving at her uncle's remote cabin, she discovers he has been killed by Native Americans, and his identity has been assumed by 'Black' Brown, an outlaw on the run from the law. Despite initial fear and suspicion, Jenny gradually falls in love with the man masquerading as her uncle, unaware of his true identity and criminal past. When Brown's past catches up with him and he's pursued by a posse, he must choose between continuing his deception or revealing the truth to protect Jenny. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Brown's true character is tested, leading to redemption through sacrifice and love.

Historical Background

1917 was a pivotal year in American cinema, as the industry was transitioning from short films to feature-length productions. The United States had just entered World War I, and films like 'A Romance of the Redwoods' provided audiences with escapist entertainment and a romanticized view of American history. The film was released during the height of the silent era, just before Hollywood would become the dominant force in global cinema. The California Gold Rush setting tapped into American nostalgia for frontier life and Manifest Destiny, themes that resonated strongly with contemporary audiences. The film also reflected the growing power of movie stars like Pickford, who were becoming cultural icons and influential business figures in their own right.

Making Of

The production of 'A Romance of the Redwoods' was marked by tension between star Mary Pickford and director Cecil B. DeMille, who had conflicting artistic visions. Pickford, already a powerful figure in Hollywood, wanted to emphasize the romantic elements while DeMille was more interested in the action and spectacle. The cast and crew endured harsh conditions during location shooting in the San Bernardino Mountains, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. Pickford's mother and business manager, Charlotte Smith, was constantly on set, often interfering with DeMille's direction. Despite these challenges, the film was completed on schedule and became a commercial success. The famous scene where Pickford's character discovers the truth about her 'uncle' was shot in one take, with Pickford giving a performance that reportedly moved the entire crew to tears.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by Alvin Wyckoff, was groundbreaking for its time, featuring extensive location photography in the California mountains. Wyckoff employed natural lighting techniques that were innovative for 1917, particularly in the forest scenes where dappled sunlight created atmospheric effects. The film used moving camera shots for chase sequences, a technique that was still relatively rare in silent cinema. The contrast between the dark, mysterious forest interiors and bright open spaces was used to reflect the moral ambiguity of the story. Wyckoff also experimented with soft focus techniques for romantic scenes, creating a dreamlike quality that emphasized the emotional content. The film's visual style influenced many subsequent Westerns, particularly in its use of landscape as an integral part of the storytelling.

Innovations

The film was notable for its use of location shooting, which was still relatively uncommon in 1917. The production employed early forms of camera movement, including tracking shots during chase sequences. The lighting techniques used in the forest scenes were innovative, using natural light filtered through leaves to create mood and atmosphere. The film also featured elaborate makeup effects for aging characters and creating the illusion of injuries. The set construction for the cabin and other structures was unusually detailed for the period, with authentic 1840s architectural details. The film's editing, particularly in the action sequences, was more dynamic than most contemporary productions, using cross-cutting techniques to build tension.

Music

As a silent film, 'A Romance of the Redwoods' was originally accompanied by live musical performances in theaters. The score was composed by William Furst, who was one of the prominent composers for silent films. The music typically included romantic themes for scenes between the leads, dramatic motifs for action sequences, and atmospheric pieces for the forest settings. Larger theaters would have full orchestras, while smaller venues used piano or organ accompaniment. The score featured adaptations of popular songs of the era as well as original compositions. Unfortunately, no complete copies of the original score survive, though some musical cues have been reconstructed from theater orchestra parts of the period.

Memorable Scenes

• The dramatic revelation scene where Jenny discovers her 'uncle' is actually an outlaw, featuring Pickford's emotional breakdown and Dexter's conflicted performance
• The forest chase sequence where Brown is pursued by a posse through the Redwood trees, featuring innovative camera movement and editing
• The tender moment by the campfire where Jenny and Brown share their first romantic connection, with soft focus lighting and natural scenery
• The climactic confrontation where Brown must choose between escape and protecting Jenny, featuring moral complexity and emotional depth

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its beautiful cinematography and Mary Pickford's performance. The Motion Picture News called it 'a triumph of motion picture art' and specifically commended Pickford's 'natural and affecting' portrayal. The New York Dramatic Mirror noted the film's 'splendid outdoor photography' and 'well-constructed narrative'. Modern critics view the film as an important example of early American cinema, though some note its dated portrayal of Native Americans and its sentimental approach to romance. Film historians often cite it as a key work in DeMille's early career before he became known for his epic spectacles. The film is generally regarded as a well-crafted example of silent-era storytelling, with particular appreciation for Pickford's star power and the film's technical achievements.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a major box office success upon its release, playing to packed theaters across the country. Audiences were particularly drawn to Mary Pickford's performance, with many newspapers reporting that women in the audience wept during emotional scenes. The film's romantic elements and Western setting proved to be a winning combination with moviegoers of the era. Contemporary accounts describe standing ovations and multiple curtain calls when the film premiered in major cities. The movie's success helped cement Pickford's status as 'America's Sweetheart' and one of the most popular entertainers of the time. Audience letters published in trade papers praised the film's emotional impact and authentic feel, with many viewers relating to the themes of love and redemption.

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