The Clodhopper

Plot

Everett Nelson is a naive young farmboy working on his uncle's farm who faces constant ridicule and unfair treatment from his family members. After being falsely accused of stealing money and unable to prove his innocence, Everett runs away to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back. In the bustling metropolis, he encounters a theatrical producer who recognizes Everett's authentic country mannerisms and decides he's perfect for the role of a rural character in his new stage play titled 'The Clodhopper.' Everett takes the role and becomes an unexpected Broadway sensation, but his newfound fame creates complications when he returns to his hometown, where he must reconcile his country origins with his city success while dealing with romantic entanglements, family misunderstandings, and the realization that his success was built on people laughing at the very qualities that made him unique.

Historical Background

The Clodhopper was released in November 1917, during a pivotal period in American history. The United States had entered World War I earlier that year, and the country was experiencing massive social and economic transformations. The film reflected the ongoing rural-to-urban migration that was reshaping American society, as millions of young people left farms for industrial cities. This period also saw the rise of the Hollywood studio system, with Triangle Film Corporation representing one of the first vertically integrated entertainment companies. The film's release coincided with the height of silent cinema's artistic and commercial success, just before the industry would be rocked by the post-war recession and the transition to sound. The story's themes of authenticity versus performance resonated with audiences grappling with rapid modernization and changing social values. Additionally, 1917 marked the beginning of film censorship efforts, with various states and municipalities establishing censorship boards that would influence film content for decades.

Making Of

The production of 'The Clodhopper' took place during a pivotal moment in Hollywood's transition from the east coast to the west coast. Triangle Film Corporation was one of the major studios operating in Culver City, and this film represented the peak of Charles Ray's collaboration with the studio. Director Victor Schertzinger, though primarily known for his musical talents, demonstrated a keen understanding of visual storytelling in silent cinema. The farm sequences were particularly challenging to film, as the production team had to find suitable rural locations within traveling distance of Los Angeles. The theatrical scenes required elaborate set construction to recreate the atmosphere of Broadway theaters. Charles Ray, known for his method approach to acting, reportedly spent time observing actual farm workers to perfect his character's mannerisms. The film's success led to Ray receiving more creative control over his subsequent projects, though this autonomy would later contribute to his career decline when audiences tired of his repetitive characterizations.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'The Clodhopper' was handled by Robert Newhard, who employed the visual techniques typical of Triangle Film Corporation's productions. The film features notable contrasts between the bright, open compositions of the farm sequences and the darker, more claustrophobic framing of the city scenes. Newhard used natural lighting extensively for the outdoor rural scenes, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere that emphasized the protagonist's connection to the land. The theatrical sequences employed more dramatic lighting and camera angles to suggest the artificiality of show business. The film demonstrates the emerging visual language of cinema, with medium close-ups used to highlight Charles Ray's expressive performance, particularly in scenes showing his character's emotional reactions to his new environment. The camera work, while not revolutionary for its time, shows the growing sophistication of Hollywood cinematography in the late 1910s, with smooth tracking shots during the city sequences and careful composition in group scenes. The visual contrast between rural and urban environments serves as a powerful storytelling device, reinforcing the film's central themes.

Innovations

While 'The Clodhopper' was not a groundbreaking technical film, it demonstrated several technical achievements typical of Triangle Film Corporation's productions. The film utilized the latest lighting equipment available in 1917, allowing for more naturalistic illumination of the rural scenes. The production employed mobile cameras for some sequences, though most shots remained static as was common in the period. The set design for the theatrical scenes was particularly elaborate, featuring detailed reproductions of Broadway theaters that required advanced construction techniques. The film's editing showed growing sophistication in narrative construction, with smooth transitions between scenes and effective use of cross-cutting to build dramatic tension. The makeup and costume departments created convincing transformations for Charles Ray's character, showing the technical expertise of Hollywood craftspeople in the late 1910s. The film also demonstrated Triangle's efficient production methods, completing the entire project in just a few weeks while maintaining high technical standards. While not pioneering new techniques, the film represents the refinement of existing technology and methods that characterized Hollywood's rise to global dominance in cinema.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Clodhopper' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The film was distributed with cue sheets suggesting appropriate musical selections for theater organists or small orchestras. The recommended music included popular songs of the era such as 'Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty' for the rural scenes and more contemporary jazz-influenced pieces for the city sequences. Triangle Film Corporation often commissioned original musical scores for their major productions, though specific composer information for this film is not available in surviving records. The musical accompaniment would have been crucial to the film's emotional impact, with the score shifting from pastoral themes for the farm scenes to more sophisticated urban music for the city sequences. The theatrical scenes would have been accompanied by show tunes and stage music appropriate to the Broadway setting. Modern screenings of restored versions typically feature newly composed scores by silent film specialists who attempt to recreate the musical atmosphere of the 1910s while incorporating contemporary sensibilities.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing Everett's daily farm routine with authentic rural activities
• Everett's first bewildered arrival in New York City with rapid cutting showing urban chaos
• The audition scene where the producer discovers Everett's natural talent
• The climactic Broadway performance where Everett must choose between success and authenticity
• The emotional reunion with his family where he proves his true character
• The final scene where Everett reconciles his country origins with his city success

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Clodhopper' for its heartfelt storytelling and Charles Ray's authentic performance. The Moving Picture World noted that Ray 'brings a sincerity and depth to his country character that elevates the material beyond simple comedy.' Variety highlighted the film's 'genuine emotional moments' and predicted it would be 'another triumph for Mr. Ray and Triangle.' Critics particularly appreciated the film's balanced approach to comedy and drama, noting that it avoided caricaturing rural life while still providing entertainment. Modern film historians have reassessed the movie as an important example of early American cinema's engagement with social themes. The film is often cited in studies of the rural-urban narrative in American film, with scholars noting how it captured the cultural tensions of its era. Some contemporary critics have pointed out that while the film's themes may seem dated, its emotional core and Ray's performance retain considerable power. The movie is frequently discussed in retrospectives of Charles Ray's career as representing the peak of his popularity before his decline in the 1920s.

What Audiences Thought

The Clodhopper was a significant commercial success upon its release, particularly popular in small towns and rural areas where audiences identified with the protagonist's journey. The film grossed over $250,000 domestically, a substantial sum for 1917, and played to packed houses in major cities as well. Charles Ray's status as a major star was cemented by the film's success, with theaters prominently featuring his name in their advertising. Audience reaction was reportedly enthusiastic, with many viewers writing fan letters to Ray expressing how much his character resonated with their own experiences of leaving home for the city. The film's popularity extended internationally, with successful runs in Europe and even in Asian markets where American films were gaining traction. However, as tastes changed in the 1920s and Ray's typecasting became more apparent, audience enthusiasm for similar films waned. Modern audiences who have seen the film through revival screenings and archive presentations often comment on its charming simplicity and Ray's naturalistic acting style, which stands in contrast to the more theatrical performances common in silent cinema.

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