In the Border States

Plot

Set during the American Civil War, 'In the Border States' tells the story of a Unionist father living in a border state who leaves his family to join the Union Army. While he is away, Confederate troops arrive at his farm to forage for supplies, and one of his young daughters encounters a wounded Confederate soldier, showing him compassion despite his allegiance. Meanwhile, the father is assigned to a dangerous mission behind enemy lines but is wounded during the operation. He must desperately flee for his life as Confederate soldiers pursue him through the countryside, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation where his family's loyalty and courage are tested to their limits.

Historical Background

1910 was a pivotal year in American cinema, as the industry was transitioning from novelty to legitimate art form. The Civil War remained a powerful cultural memory, with reunions of veterans still occurring and the generation that lived through the war still very much present in American society. This film emerged during what historians would later call the Progressive Era, a time of national soul-searching about American identity and values. The border states depicted in the film had been particularly traumatized by the war, with families and communities literally divided against each other. Griffith's sympathetic portrayal of both Union and Confederate characters reflected a growing national desire for reconciliation that would characterize Civil War memory in the early 20th century.

Making Of

The production of 'In the Border States' exemplified the factory-like efficiency of the Biograph studio under Griffith's direction. The film was likely shot in just 2-3 days with minimal rehearsal, as was standard practice. Griffith was already developing his signature cross-cutting technique, which would become more sophisticated in later works. The cast were Biograph regulars who Griffith could rely upon to deliver competent performances with little direction. The film's outdoor scenes were shot on location near Fort Lee, New Jersey, which served as Biograph's primary production base before the industry's migration to Hollywood. The modest budget meant that costumes were likely repurposed from other Civil War-themed productions in Biograph's inventory.

Visual Style

The cinematography, credited to Biograph's regular cameraman G.W. Bitzer, utilizes the natural lighting techniques that were becoming standard for outdoor filming. The camera work is static as was typical of the period, but Griffith was already experimenting with camera placement to create more dynamic compositions. The film likely employed medium shots for character interactions and longer shots for the chase sequences. Bitzer's experience with Griffith was helping to develop a more sophisticated visual language, with attention to framing and composition that elevated the film beyond mere documentation of staged events.

Innovations

While not technically groundbreaking, 'In the Border States' demonstrates Griffith's growing mastery of film editing techniques, particularly his use of cross-cutting to build suspense during the chase sequences. The film also shows Griffith's developing understanding of screen space and how to use it effectively to tell a story visually. The production values were typical of Biograph's output - competent but not lavish, with attention to period details in costumes and props that helped create authenticity within the constraints of a modest budget.

Music

As a silent film, 'In the Border States' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during exhibition. The typical accompaniment would have been a pianist or small ensemble playing appropriate music for each scene - patriotic tunes for the military scenes, sentimental melodies for the family moments, and dramatic music for the chase sequences. Biograph often provided musical cue sheets with their films to guide theater musicians. The score would have drawn heavily on popular songs of the Civil War era, creating an immediate emotional connection with audiences familiar with this music.

Memorable Scenes

• The daughter's compassionate encounter with the wounded Confederate soldier, showing humanity transcending wartime divisions; The father's desperate flight through the countryside while wounded, pursued by enemy soldiers, demonstrating Griffith's emerging skill in creating suspense through cross-cutting; The emotional reunion scene where the wounded father returns to his family, emphasizing the personal costs of war

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of Biograph shorts were generally brief and focused more on the novelty than artistic merit. The Moving Picture World, a leading trade publication of the era, likely noted the film's dramatic qualities and its effective use of outdoor locations. Modern film historians recognize 'In the Border States' as a competent example of Griffith's early work, demonstrating his developing skills in narrative construction and emotional manipulation. While not considered among Griffith's most innovative works, it is valued today as a representative sample of American filmmaking during this transitional period in cinema history.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1910 would have viewed this film as part of a program of several short subjects, typically accompanied by live music and possibly a lecturer. The Civil War theme would have resonated strongly with viewers, many of whom had personal family connections to the conflict. The film's dramatic moments and chase sequences would have provided the excitement that early cinema audiences craved. The relatively sympathetic treatment of Confederate characters might have been appreciated by Southern audiences while not alienating Northern viewers, reflecting the broader national mood of reconciliation.

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