The Perils of Pauline

Plot

The Perils of Pauline follows the adventures of Pauline Marvin, a young heiress who stands to inherit a fortune from her guardian's will, but only if she can survive a series of deadly trials for one year. Her guardian's secretary, Raymond Owen, who hopes to marry Pauline and claim the inheritance himself, secretly arranges numerous attempts on her life, including tying her to railroad tracks, trapping her in a burning building, and leaving her adrift at sea. Despite these constant dangers, Pauline proves remarkably resourceful and courageous, often escaping through her own ingenuity rather than relying solely on rescue. The serial unfolds across twenty episodes, each ending with a cliffhanger that leaves Pauline in mortal peril. Throughout her ordeal, she's aided by the heroic Harry Marvin, her true love who works tirelessly to save her from Owen's schemes.

Historical Background

The Perils of Pauline was produced during a transformative period in American cinema, when the industry was transitioning from short films to feature-length productions. 1914 was also the year World War I began in Europe, though America remained neutral until 1917. The film reflected the Progressive Era's fascination with the 'New Woman' - independent, adventurous females who challenged traditional gender roles. The serial format capitalized on the growing popularity of nickelodeons and the American public's appetite for regular entertainment. The film's success coincided with the rise of the Hollywood studio system and helped establish many conventions that would define American cinema for decades.

Making Of

The production of The Perils of Pauline was groundbreaking in many ways. The Wharton brothers, Theodore and Leopold, built their studio specifically for this production in Ithaca, New York, taking advantage of the area's diverse landscapes. Pearl White, despite her petite stature, insisted on performing most of her own stunts, a dangerous practice that led to numerous injuries but also added authenticity to the thrilling sequences. The serial employed multiple film units working simultaneously to maintain the grueling weekly release schedule. The famous railroad scene was particularly dangerous, requiring precise timing to ensure White's safety while maintaining the illusion of real danger. The production team developed innovative techniques for creating suspense, including the now-classic cliffhanger endings that would leave audiences eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Visual Style

The cinematography, primarily by Arthur W. Miller, was innovative for its time, utilizing the diverse landscapes of upstate New York to create visually spectacular sequences. The film employed location shooting extensively, a relatively uncommon practice in 1914, using the gorges, waterfalls, and forests around Ithaca to create authentic backdrops for Pauline's adventures. The camera work included dynamic shots for action sequences, unusual angles for suspense scenes, and innovative editing techniques to build tension. The railroad sequences, in particular, showcased technical skill in capturing moving trains and creating the illusion of imminent danger.

Innovations

The Perils of Pauline pioneered several technical innovations that would influence filmmaking for decades. The serial developed sophisticated techniques for creating suspense through editing, particularly the cliffhanger endings that became a trademark of the format. The production advanced the art of stunt coordination, developing safety procedures for dangerous sequences that were still convincing to audiences. The film's success in maintaining narrative continuity across twenty episodes demonstrated the viability of long-form serialized storytelling in cinema. The production also innovated in special effects, particularly in creating convincing disasters like fires, explosions, and train wrecks using practical effects and clever editing.

Music

As a silent film, The Perils of Pauline was accompanied by live musical performances in theaters. Most large theaters employed orchestras to perform original scores composed specifically for the serial, while smaller venues used pianists or organists. The music was typically dramatic and suspenseful, with recurring themes for Pauline, her villainous pursuers, and moments of triumph. Some theaters used cue sheets provided by the production company, which suggested appropriate musical pieces for each scene. The soundtrack experience varied significantly between venues, with prestigious theaters offering elaborate musical productions that enhanced the film's emotional impact.

Memorable Scenes

• The iconic railroad track scene where Pauline is tied to the tracks as a train approaches, requiring a last-minute rescue
• The burning building sequence where Pauline must escape through a window while flames engulf the structure
• The cliff-hanging scene where Pauline clings precariously to a cliff edge by her fingertips
• The hot air balloon escape that leaves Pauline drifting helplessly over dangerous terrain
• The underwater sequence where Pauline is trapped in a sinking ship with limited air

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised The Perils of Pauline for its thrilling entertainment value and innovative format. The Moving Picture World called it 'the most exciting serial ever produced' and noted Pearl White's 'remarkable courage and skill' in performing dangerous stunts. Variety praised its 'originality and sustained interest' while noting that each episode 'exceeds the previous in excitement.' Modern critics recognize the serial as a landmark achievement in early cinema, with the American Film Institute including it in their list of culturally significant films. While some modern viewers find the pacing slow by contemporary standards, critics acknowledge the film's historical importance and its role in establishing cinematic conventions still used today.

What Audiences Thought

The Perils of Pauline was a phenomenal success with audiences, creating a nationwide sensation. Movie theaters reported record attendance whenever new episodes were released, with some venues running continuous showings to accommodate demand. The serial generated intense public discussion, with newspapers often reporting on Pauline's latest peril as if it were real news. Pearl White received thousands of fan letters weekly, and her character became a household name. The serial's popularity was such that 'Pauline' merchandise, including dolls and books, became widely available. Audiences particularly loved the weekly cliffhangers, which created water cooler-style discussions about how Pauline might escape her latest predicament.

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