Back to God's Country
"A Thrilling Romance of the Great White North"
Plot
Set in the rugged wilderness of the Canadian North, 'Back to God's Country' follows Dolores (Nell Shipman), a young woman whose father is murdered by the outlaw Blake (Wheeler Oakman) during a violent confrontation over a valuable map. Dolores later marries Peter (Charles Arling), a gentle forest ranger, and they embark on a journey to the Arctic aboard a trading vessel. During their voyage, Dolores discovers that the ship's captain is none other than Blake, the very man who killed her father. When Blake orchestrates an 'accident' that leaves Peter severely injured, Dolores finds herself alone and vulnerable as the ship anchors in a remote Arctic harbor. Using her knowledge of the wilderness and her indomitable spirit, Dolores must outwit her father's killer and survive the harsh Arctic environment to seek justice.
About the Production
Filmed during the winter of 1918-1919 in actual snow conditions, with temperatures often dropping below zero. Nell Shipman insisted on authentic location shooting rather than studio backdrops. The production featured Shipman's personal menagerie of trained wild animals, including bears, wolves, and eagles. Shipman performed her own stunts, including swimming in icy waters and working closely with dangerous animals. The film's controversial nude scene, showing Shipman bathing in a natural hot spring, was carefully choreographed to suggest nudity without explicit display, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in 1919.
Historical Background
Made in 1919, during the aftermath of World War I and the beginning of the Prohibition era in America, 'Back to God's Country' emerged during a period of tremendous social upheaval and transformation. The film reflected the era's growing fascination with wilderness and adventure stories, as urban audiences romanticized the frontier lifestyle that was rapidly disappearing. The post-war period saw significant changes in women's roles in society, with women having just gained the right to vote in many states. The film industry itself was undergoing major changes, with Hollywood establishing itself as the global center of film production and the studio system beginning to dominate. Against this backdrop, Shipman's independent production represented an alternative to the increasingly corporate nature of filmmaking.
Why This Film Matters
'Back to God's Country' holds immense cultural significance as a groundbreaking film that challenged numerous conventions of its time. It featured one of cinema's first true action heroines, a woman who saves herself through courage, intelligence, and physical prowess rather than waiting for male rescue. This was revolutionary in an era when most female characters were confined to passive, romantic roles. The film's success demonstrated that audiences would embrace stories with strong, capable female protagonists, challenging industry assumptions about what types of films would be commercially viable. Shipman's role as star, writer, and producer made her one of the most powerful women in early Hollywood and paved the way for future female filmmakers. The film's environmental themes and respect for wilderness were also ahead of their time, anticipating later ecological concerns in cinema.
Making Of
The production of 'Back to God's Country' was remarkable for its time due to its ambitious location shooting and the independent nature of its production. Nell Shipman, a pioneering woman in early Hollywood, formed the Nell Shipman Film Corporation specifically to produce films that gave her creative control. The cast and crew faced extreme conditions during the winter shoot in the California mountains, with Shipman insisting on authenticity over comfort. She brought her menagerie of trained wild animals to the set, which she had raised and trained herself over many years. The film's controversial nude scene, in which Shipman's character bathes in a natural hot spring, was groundbreaking for its era and required careful negotiation with censors. Shipman's dedication to realism extended to performing her own dangerous stunts, including scenes involving actual wild animals and swimming in frigid waters. The production's success led to Shipman becoming one of the most respected independent producers in Hollywood.
Visual Style
The cinematography by Joseph A. Du Temple was revolutionary for its extensive use of location photography in natural settings. The film utilized the dramatic landscapes of California's mountain regions to create convincing Arctic environments, featuring sweeping vistas and impressive snow sequences that would have been impossible to achieve in studio settings. The camera work was innovative for its use of natural lighting and authentic outdoor conditions, giving the film a documentary-like quality that audiences found compelling. The cinematography effectively captured both the beauty and danger of the wilderness setting, with long shots emphasizing the isolation of the characters and close-ups highlighting the emotional intensity of key moments. The technical challenges of filming in snow and ice were overcome through innovative camera techniques and specialized equipment.
Innovations
The film was technically innovative in numerous ways, particularly its use of location photography in extreme conditions. The production overcame significant technical challenges to film in snow and ice, using specialized cameras and equipment that could function in cold weather. The film featured impressive special effects for its time, particularly in scenes involving the Arctic environment and animal interactions. The integration of live animals into the action sequences was technically demanding and required innovative approaches to animal training and filming techniques. The film's success demonstrated the commercial viability of location shooting for feature films, influencing subsequent productions to seek authentic settings over studio backdrops. The production also pioneered techniques for filming in extreme weather that would become standard practice in later adventure films.
Music
As a silent film, 'Back to God's Country' was originally accompanied by live musical performances in theaters, with scores typically provided by house orchestras or organists. The musical accompaniment would have featured dramatic orchestral pieces that enhanced the action scenes and romantic themes, likely drawing from classical compositions and popular music of the era. The film's Arctic setting would have inspired musical motifs suggesting cold, isolation, and wilderness adventure. When the film was re-released in 1927, it featured a synchronized music score and sound effects using the Vitaphone system, making it one of the early films to transition from pure silent to sound-enhanced presentation. This updated version allowed for more precise musical timing and the addition of environmental sounds like wind, animal calls, and water effects.
Did You Know?
- Nell Shipman was not only the star but also co-wrote the screenplay and co-produced the film through her own production company, making her one of the few women with such creative control in early Hollywood
- The film featured one of the first suggestions of nudity in American cinema, though it was artfully done with Shipman's long hair strategically placed
- Shipman brought her own collection of 70 wild animals to the set, including bears and wolves, which she had trained herself
- The film was based on James Oliver Curwood's story 'Wapi the Walrus', adapted for the screen by Shipman and director David Hartford
- Shipman performed all her own stunts, including a dramatic scene where she swims in near-freezing water to escape danger
- The film was shot on location in extreme weather conditions, with cast and crew camping in tents and cooking over open fires
- This was the most successful independent film of 1919, outperforming many major studio releases at the box office
- Shipman's production company was one of the few female-owned and operated film companies of the silent era, employing both men and women in key positions
- The film's Arctic sequences were filmed at 7,000 feet elevation in California mountains, where artificial snow was supplemented with real snowfall
- The movie was so successful that it led to Shipman forming a permanent production company and building her own studio in Idaho
- The film's title was controversial with some religious groups who felt it implied blasphemy, though the story had strong moral themes
- Shipman's costume design for the film included practical fur garments that were both authentic to the setting and fashionable for the time
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics overwhelmingly praised the film for its spectacular scenery and Nell Shipman's compelling performance. The Motion Picture News called it 'a picture of unusual merit and entertainment value,' while Variety noted Shipman's 'magnetic screen presence and remarkable courage.' Photoplay magazine praised the film's 'breathtaking photography and thrilling sequences.' Critics particularly admired the authenticity of the location shooting and the film's departure from typical studio-bound productions. Modern film historians recognize the film as an important early example of independent filmmaking and a landmark for women in cinema. The film is now studied in film schools as an example of how creative vision can overcome technical and financial limitations.
What Audiences Thought
The film was a massive commercial success upon its release, breaking box office records for independent productions. Audiences were captivated by the authentic outdoor scenes and the thrilling action sequences. Shipman's performance as the resourceful Dolores made her an instant star, with fan mail pouring in from across the country. The film was particularly popular in rural areas and small towns, where the wilderness themes resonated strongly with local audiences. Women's groups praised the film for its positive portrayal of female capability and independence. The film's success led to numerous requests for sequels and established Shipman as a bankable star who could carry a feature film on her own merits.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- The wilderness adventure stories of Jack London
- James Oliver Curwood's literary works on frontier life
- The growing outdoor adventure genre of the 1910s
- Early American frontier narratives and tall tales
- The women's suffrage movement and changing gender roles
This Film Influenced
- Later wilderness adventure films featuring strong female leads
- Independent productions by women filmmakers throughout the 1920s