As a Boy Dreams

Plot

A young cabin-boy finds himself thrust into the center of an exciting maritime adventure when mutineers take over his ship. The boy becomes the unlikely hero as he navigates through dangerous encounters with pirates while searching for buried treasure. Through a series of thrilling escapades and narrow escapes, the protagonist transforms from a timid deckhand into a brave adventurer. The film follows his journey as he outwits the mutinous crew and discovers the hidden treasure, ultimately saving the day and earning his place among the seasoned sailors.

Historical Background

1911 was a landmark year in cinema history, occurring during the transition from the nickelodeon era to the feature film era. The film industry was consolidating, with companies like IMP (which produced this film) eventually merging to form major studios. Thomas H. Ince was part of a new generation of filmmakers who were elevating cinema from simple novelty acts to sophisticated storytelling. The Pickford siblings represented the emergence of the star system, with Mary Pickford already becoming one of the first genuine movie stars. This period also saw the migration of film production from the East Coast to California, attracted by the favorable weather and varied landscapes.

Making Of

The production of 'As a Boy Dreams' took place during a pivotal moment in film history when the industry was shifting from New York to California. Thomas H. Ince was developing his reputation as an efficient director who could deliver quality films quickly. Working with the Pickford siblings was advantageous as both were already established names in the burgeoning film industry. The maritime setting likely required creative use of California's coastal areas or studio sets, as location shooting was becoming more common but still challenging. The film's adventure elements would have required careful choreography of action sequences, which were becoming increasingly sophisticated by 1911.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 1911 films was still developing technically, typically utilizing static cameras with basic movement. The film would have been shot on black and white film stock, with no color tinting unless it was a special presentation. The maritime setting would have required careful composition to suggest the ocean environment, likely using painted backdrops combined with outdoor locations. Camera techniques would have been straightforward, with medium shots and long shots predominating, as close-ups were still being developed as a narrative tool. The action sequences would have been captured in wide shots to ensure clarity of movement.

Innovations

While 'As a Boy Dreams' was not groundbreaking technically, it represents the standard production values of a quality 1911 film. The film would have been shot on 35mm film at approximately 16 frames per second. The editing would have been relatively simple by modern standards but sophisticated for its time, using continuity editing to tell the story clearly. The production likely used some location shooting combined with studio sets, demonstrating the industry's movement toward more realistic settings. The action sequences would have required careful planning and choreography, representing the growing sophistication of stunt work in early cinema.

Music

As a silent film, 'As a Boy Dreams' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during exhibition. The typical accompaniment would have been a pianist in smaller theaters or a small orchestra in larger venues. The music would have been compiled from popular classical pieces, folk tunes, and stock photoplay music appropriate to the action on screen. Maritime-themed melodies would have been used for the ocean scenes, while dramatic music would accompany the mutiny and pirate sequences. No original composed score was created for films of this period, with theaters using their own music libraries.

Memorable Scenes

• The mutiny sequence where the cabin-boy must choose sides
• The discovery of the buried treasure map
• The final confrontation with the pirates
• The transformation scene where the boy proves his bravery

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception of 1911 films is difficult to trace, as formal film criticism was still in its infancy. Trade publications like Moving Picture World and The New York Dramatic Mirror would have likely reviewed the film, focusing on its entertainment value and the performances of the Pickford siblings. The film would have been judged by the standards of the time, emphasizing its action sequences, clear storytelling, and the star appeal of its cast. Modern critical assessment is impossible as the film appears to be lost, like many films from this early period.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1911 would have been drawn to 'As a Boy Dreams' primarily by the presence of both Jack and Mary Pickford, who were already establishing themselves as popular performers. The adventure elements of mutiny, pirates, and treasure hunting would have appealed to the broad audiences of nickelodeons and early movie theaters. The film's straightforward narrative and exciting action sequences would have been well-received by audiences still adapting to the language of cinema. The relatively short runtime typical of the period would have made it suitable for the variety-style programming common in theaters of the era.

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