King Lear

Plot

In this 1916 adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy, aging King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, promising the largest portion to the one who professes to love him most. The corrupt and flattering Goneril and Regan deliver elaborate speeches of devotion, while his youngest and most honest daughter Cordelia refuses to engage in false flattery, simply stating she loves him according to her bond. Enraged by this perceived slight, Lear disowns Cordelia and banishes her, dividing his kingdom between Goneril and Regan, who quickly reveal their true cruel natures. As Lear descends into madness during a violent storm on the heath, he realizes his terrible mistake, while the loyal Earl of Gloucester also suffers betrayal from his illegitimate son Edmund. The tragedy culminates in the deaths of Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, and Lear himself, leaving only the few surviving characters to mourn the devastating consequences of pride and poor judgment.

Historical Background

The 1916 release of King Lear occurred during a pivotal moment in cinema history and global affairs. World War I was raging in Europe, affecting film production and distribution worldwide. In the United States, the film industry was transitioning from short films to feature-length productions, with 1916 marking a turning point where feature films became increasingly common and commercially viable. The period also saw the beginning of cinema's artistic recognition, with films starting to be taken seriously as an art form rather than mere entertainment. The adaptation of Shakespeare represented an attempt to legitimize cinema by aligning it with respected literary traditions. Additionally, 1916 was the year of the Battle of the Somme and other major WWI events, which influenced the reception of tragic themes in popular culture. The film industry was also gradually shifting from the East Coast to Hollywood, with Fort Lee, New Jersey (where this film was made) still being a major production center but soon to be eclipsed by California studios.

Making Of

The production of King Lear in 1916 represented a significant undertaking for the Warde Features Company, a small studio formed specifically to capitalize on Frederick Warde's theatrical reputation. Ernest C. Warde, having grown up in his father's theatrical world, brought an intimate understanding of Shakespeare to his directorial approach. The casting process was straightforward as Frederick Warde was always intended for the title role, while Lorraine Huling was selected for Cordelia after impressing the Wardes with her stage work. The production faced challenges typical of the era, including the need to condense Shakespeare's complex text into intertitles that could be quickly read while maintaining the poetic quality. The famous storm scene required extensive preparation, with the crew building special effects equipment to create wind and rain effects on an indoor stage. Many scenes were shot in natural light to take advantage of the summer shooting schedule, though this sometimes created continuity issues. The film's distribution strategy focused on theatrical venues rather than the nickelodeons that dominated the market, reflecting its prestige positioning as a literary adaptation.

Visual Style

The cinematography of King Lear reflects the transitional state of film technique in 1916. The film was shot in black and white using the standard 35mm format of the era, with cinematographer employing relatively static camera positions typical of early feature films. However, the production showed some technical ambition, particularly in the famous storm sequence where multiple lighting effects were used to create dramatic contrasts. The use of natural light for exterior scenes gave the film a realistic quality that was becoming increasingly valued. Close-ups were used sparingly but effectively, particularly for emotional moments and to emphasize character reactions. The film employed painted backdrops and studio sets that were standard for the period, though the production design attempted to create a sense of Elizabethan atmosphere through costumes and props. The visual style was influenced by theatrical staging, with compositions often resembling stage pictures, but there were clear efforts to use cinematic techniques specific to the medium, such as varying shot distances and using camera movement to enhance dramatic moments.

Innovations

While not revolutionary in its technical aspects, King Lear demonstrated several notable achievements for its time. The storm sequence represented an ambitious use of special effects, combining wind machines, water effects, and dramatic lighting to create a convincing representation of Shakespeare's famous heath scene. The production employed multiple cameras for some scenes, a practice that was still relatively uncommon in 1916, allowing for more dynamic editing possibilities. The film's intertitles were particularly sophisticated for the period, featuring decorative designs and attempting to maintain Shakespearean language while remaining comprehensible to cinema audiences. The makeup effects used to age Frederick Warde and create his appearance during the madness scenes were considered advanced for the time. The production also utilized location shooting in New York and New Jersey, which was becoming more common but still represented a logistical challenge. The film's editing techniques, particularly in the climactic scenes, showed growing sophistication in narrative pacing and dramatic tension building through visual means rather than relying solely on theatrical conventions.

Music

As a silent film, King Lear was originally presented with live musical accompaniment, typically provided by a theater organist or small orchestra. The producers commissioned a special musical score designed to enhance the dramatic moments and reflect the Shakespearean source material. This score, unfortunately, has not survived, but contemporary accounts suggest it incorporated classical themes and original compositions appropriate to the tragic nature of the story. The music would have been particularly important during the storm scene, where sound effects created by musicians would have complemented the visual effects. Some theaters presented the film with elaborate musical programs, including overtures and intermission music, reflecting its prestige positioning. The typical accompaniment would have included dramatic themes for the king's madness, tender motifs for Cordelia's scenes, and martial music for the battle sequences. The musical presentation varied significantly between theaters, ranging from simple organ accompaniment in smaller venues to full orchestral scores in prestigious picture palaces.

Memorable Scenes

• The division of the kingdom scene where Lear demands declarations of love from his daughters
• The dramatic storm scene on the heath where Lear rages against the elements while descending into madness
• The heartbreaking reunion scene between Lear and Cordelia in the French camp
• The tragic death scene of Cordelia in Lear's arms
• Lear's entrance carrying Cordelia's body in the final scene of the tragedy

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics generally praised the film for its ambitious attempt to adapt Shakespeare, with particular admiration for Frederick Warde's performance in the title role. The New York Dramatic Mirror commended the film's 'dignified treatment of immortal material' and noted Warde's 'powerful interpretation of the mad king.' Variety, while generally positive, expressed some concern about condensing Shakespeare's text, though acknowledged the necessity for cinematic adaptation. Modern critics, viewing the surviving fragments, recognize the film as historically significant while noting the technical limitations of 1916 filmmaking. Film historians appreciate the adaptation as an important document of early American cinema's artistic aspirations and its role in establishing Shakespeare as viable source material for motion pictures. The film is often cited in studies of early literary adaptations and the transition from stage to screen acting styles.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1916 responded positively to the film, particularly in urban centers where there was greater appreciation for literary adaptations. The film attracted a more educated, middle-class audience than typical motion pictures of the era, which aligned with the producers' strategy of positioning it as a cultural event. Many viewers were drawn by Frederick Warde's reputation as a distinguished stage actor, making the film a bridge between traditional theater-goers and emerging cinema audiences. Some audience members found the condensed narrative challenging if they were unfamiliar with Shakespeare's original play, while others appreciated the visual spectacle of the storm scenes and Warde's dramatic performance. The film's success encouraged other producers to consider literary adaptations, contributing to the gradual elevation of cinema's cultural status. Contemporary accounts suggest that the film was particularly popular with women's literary societies and educational institutions, which organized special screenings for their members.

You Might Also Like