Civilization

Plot

Count Ferdinand, a German submarine commander, secretly harbors pacifist beliefs despite serving his country during World War I. When ordered to torpedo a defenseless passenger ship, he refuses the command and deliberately misses his target, resulting in his submarine being destroyed by enemy fire in the ensuing battle. In the afterlife, Ferdinand's spirit meets Christ, who commends his moral courage and decision to choose humanity over duty. Christ then returns to Earth, inhabiting Ferdinand's body to spread a message of peace and love to a world torn by war. The transformed Ferdinand travels to various battlefields and political centers, attempting to convince world leaders to end the conflict. Ultimately, his divine mission inspires humanity to lay down arms and embrace peace, demonstrating the power of individual conscience to change the course of history.

Historical Background

Produced during the height of World War I, before America's entry into the conflict, 'Civilization' emerged during a period of intense debate about U.S. involvement in the European war. The film reflected growing pacifist sentiment in America and tapped into religious revivalism sweeping the nation. Its production coincided with the presidential election of 1916, where Woodrow Wilson campaigned on the slogan 'He kept us out of war.' The film's anti-war message resonated with audiences weary of reports of carnage from Europe, while its religious themes appealed to the Progressive Era's moral reform movements. The film's substantial budget and ambitious scope demonstrated the growing sophistication and cultural importance of the American film industry.

Making Of

Thomas H. Ince assembled a massive team for this production, employing multiple directors including Reginald Barker, Raymond B. West, Walter Edwards, and Jay Hunt to handle different sequences. The submarine filming required innovative techniques, including waterproof camera housings and specially constructed tanks. The battle scenes involved thousands of extras and were filmed over several weeks. The spiritual sequences featuring Christ required elaborate special effects and careful lighting to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The film's pacifist message was carefully crafted to avoid appearing unpatriotic, with the narrative emphasizing universal human values over specific political positions. The production faced challenges from wartime censorship boards but ultimately received approval due to its moral and religious themes.

Visual Style

The film showcased groundbreaking cinematographic techniques for its time, particularly in the submarine sequences which required underwater photography using specially designed waterproof camera housings. The battle scenes employed innovative camera movements and multiple angles to create dynamic action sequences. The spiritual sequences featuring Christ used innovative lighting techniques, including backlighting and soft focus, to create an ethereal atmosphere. The film's visual style combined realistic location photography with elaborate studio sets, creating a seamless blend of realism and fantasy. The cinematography by Robert Newhard and others demonstrated the growing sophistication of visual storytelling in American cinema.

Innovations

The film pioneered several technical innovations, including sophisticated underwater photography techniques that allowed for clear images beneath the ocean's surface. The submarine sequences required the construction of detailed, full-scale mock-ups that could simulate underwater movement. The film's special effects, particularly the spiritual sequences, used innovative double exposure and matte painting techniques to create supernatural elements. The battle scenes employed coordinated pyrotechnics and stunt work that set new standards for action sequences. The production also developed new methods for coordinating large numbers of extras in complex battle formations, techniques that would influence future war films.

Music

As a silent film, 'Civilization' was accompanied by musical scores specially composed for major releases. Victor Herbert created an original orchestral score for the premiere engagement, which was published for use in other theaters. The music featured themes for different characters and situations, with a majestic leitmotif for Christ's appearances and dramatic martial themes for the war sequences. Smaller theaters used compiled scores combining classical pieces with popular songs of the era. The musical accompaniment was crucial to the film's emotional impact, particularly during the spiritual sequences where the music helped convey the divine presence.

Memorable Scenes

• The submarine commander's moral crisis as he refuses to torpedo the passenger ship
• The spectacular sinking of the submarine with revolutionary underwater photography
• The spiritual journey in the afterlife with Christ appearing in radiant light
• The transformed Ferdinand walking through battlefields as weapons miraculously cease to function
• The final sequence showing world leaders signing peace treaties as heavenly light descends

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics overwhelmingly praised 'Civilization' as a masterpiece of moral cinema. The New York Times called it 'the most important motion picture yet produced' and highlighted its 'powerful message of peace and brotherhood.' Variety noted the film's 'unprecedented production values' and 'deeply moving narrative.' Modern critics recognize the film as an important artifact of early American cinema, though some view its didactic approach as dated. Film historians appreciate its technical achievements and its role in establishing cinema as a medium for serious social commentary. The film is now studied as an example of wartime propaganda and early religious filmmaking.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a tremendous commercial success, playing to capacity audiences in major cities across America. Many theaters reported that viewers were moved to tears by the film's emotional climax. Religious organizations endorsed the film and encouraged their congregations to see it, while peace societies used it for recruitment and fundraising. Audience letters published in trade magazines expressed profound appreciation for the film's message, with many claiming it changed their views on war. The film's success led to repeat engagements and extended runs in many theaters. However, some audience members found the film's moralizing tone heavy-handed, and a few critics accused it of oversimplifying complex geopolitical issues.

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