Ramona

Plot

Ramona, a beautiful young woman of mixed Scottish and Native American heritage, lives on a wealthy Spanish rancho in 1850s California under the care of her stern foster mother, Señora Moreno. Despite the Señora's disapproval of Native Americans, Ramona falls deeply in love with Alessandro, a proud Native American sheepherder from the neighboring Temecula tribe. The couple elopes and face harsh discrimination and tragedy as they struggle to build a life together, culminating in the devastating loss of their infant child and Alessandro's murder by a white settler. Grief-stricken and alone, Ramona eventually finds healing and a new beginning with Felipe Moreno, the Señora's son who has secretly loved her for years, bringing the story full circle as she returns to the rancho where her journey began.

Historical Background

The film was produced during a pivotal moment in cinema history, as the industry was transitioning from silent films to 'talkies.' 1928 saw the release of both silent and sound films, with studios uncertain about which format would dominate. 'Ramona' was created during this transition period, representing the pinnacle of silent romantic filmmaking. The late 1920s also saw growing interest in American frontier stories and Native American themes, as the country grappled with its expanding cultural identity. The film's release came just before the Great Depression, during a time of relative prosperity when audiences sought romantic escapism. Additionally, 1928 was an election year, and discussions about civil rights and minority issues were becoming more prominent in American discourse, though still far from mainstream acceptance.

Making Of

The making of 'Ramona' was marked by Edwin Carewe's personal commitment to telling a story he felt was important for American audiences. Carewe, who had directed the earlier 1916 version, wanted to create a more faithful adaptation of Jackson's novel that would highlight the injustices faced by Native Americans. The casting of Dolores del Río was considered groundbreaking, as she was one of the few non-white actresses given leading roles in Hollywood during this era. The production faced challenges filming on location in rural California, with the crew having to transport equipment to remote areas to capture the authentic landscapes. The romantic scenes between del Río and Warner Baxter were carefully choreographed to convey passion while adhering to the strict moral codes of the time. The film's tragic elements, particularly the death scenes, were shot with sensitivity to avoid being overly melodramatic while still conveying the emotional weight of the story.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Ramona' was handled by William Rees, who employed the romantic pictorial style common in late silent films. The film features sweeping landscape shots of the California countryside, utilizing natural lighting to create a dreamlike, nostalgic atmosphere. Rees used soft focus techniques for the romantic scenes, particularly in close-ups of Dolores del Río, enhancing her ethereal beauty. The camera work during the tribal scenes was more documentary-style, aiming for authenticity in the portrayal of Native American life. The film makes effective use of location shooting, with the California missions and landscapes serving almost as characters in the story. The cinematography successfully captures the contrast between the civilized world of the Spanish rancho and the natural world of the Native American tribes, visually reinforcing the film's themes of cultural collision.

Innovations

While 'Ramona' was primarily a black and white film, it featured some tinted sequences, particularly in the romantic scenes, which was a common practice in late silent films to enhance emotional impact. The film utilized the then-new panchromatic film stock, which provided better tonal reproduction and was particularly flattering for Dolores del Río's complexion. The production employed some of the earliest location sound recording equipment for ambient sounds, though the film remained primarily visual. The makeup techniques used to transform Warner Baxter into a convincing Native American character were considered advanced for the period. The film also featured some of the most elaborate location shooting of its era, with the production company building temporary structures in remote areas to maintain authenticity.

Music

As a silent film, 'Ramona' was accompanied by a musical score performed live in theaters during its initial release. The score was composed by Hugo Riesenfeld, one of the leading composers of silent film music. The music incorporated Spanish and Native American musical themes to reflect the cultural elements of the story. The romantic scenes were accompanied by lush, sweeping melodies, while the tragic moments featured more somber, minor-key compositions. Some theaters used pre-recorded phonograph records of the score, while others employed live orchestras. The music was an integral part of the film's emotional impact, helping to convey the story's romantic and tragic elements without dialogue. The score was considered innovative for its incorporation of authentic folk melodies alongside traditional romantic film music.

Memorable Scenes

• The first meeting between Ramona and Alessandro at the sheep camp, where their eyes meet across the valley and sparks fly instantly
• The secret wedding scene in the chapel, where Ramona and Alessandro defy social conventions to marry
• The heartbreaking scene where Ramona discovers her dead child in Alessandro's arms after their journey through the mountains
• The final confrontation where Alessandro is murdered by the white settler, leading to Ramona's complete breakdown
• The closing scene where Felipe finds Ramona and brings her back to the rancho, symbolizing her return to civilization and hope

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Ramona' for its beautiful cinematography, emotional depth, and the performances of its leads. The New York Times particularly highlighted Dolores del Río's luminous screen presence and Warner Baxter's sensitive portrayal of Alessandro. Critics noted the film's ambitious scope and its respectful treatment of Native American culture, which was unusual for the period. Modern critics view the film as a product of its time—acknowledging its progressive elements while recognizing its limitations and occasional romanticization of Native American life. Film historians consider it an important example of late silent cinema and a significant step in the evolution of minority representation in Hollywood. The film is often cited in studies of how Hollywood has historically portrayed Native Americans and interracial relationships.

What Audiences Thought

The film was enthusiastically received by audiences upon its release, becoming one of the most popular films of 1928. Moviegoers were particularly drawn to the romantic chemistry between Dolores del Río and Warner Baxter, as well as the film's sweeping California landscapes. The tragic elements of the story resonated with viewers, and many reported being moved to tears by the film's emotional climax. The film's success at the box office demonstrated that audiences were receptive to stories that addressed social issues, particularly when presented in a romantic framework. The popularity of 'Ramona' also boosted tourism to Southern California, with many fans wanting to visit the locations depicted in the film. Audience appreciation for Dolores del Río's performance helped establish her as a major star, leading to increased demand for her in subsequent productions.

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