Wild and Woolly

Plot

Jeff Hillington (Douglas Fairbanks) is a wealthy young Easterner obsessed with romanticized notions of the Wild West, having read countless dime novels and adventure stories. When his father decides to expand their business empire, Jeff eagerly volunteers to oversee operations in the Western town of Bitter Creek, expecting gunfights, saloon brawls, and frontier justice. Unbeknownst to Jeff, Bitter Creek has become a perfectly civilized, law-abiding community, but the townspeople, desperate to attract the wealthy investment Jeff represents, conspire to stage elaborate wild west scenarios to fulfill his fantasies. As Jeff becomes embroiled in increasingly absurd staged gunfights and bank robberies, he begins to fall for the town's lovely bank clerk Nell (Eileen Percy), who eventually reveals the deception. The film culminates in a real crisis when actual outlaws attempt to rob the bank, forcing the now-competent Jeff to become the genuine Western hero he always dreamed of being.

Historical Background

1917 was a pivotal year in American history, as the United States entered World War I in April. The film was released just weeks before America's declaration of war, capturing a moment of national transition from isolationism to international engagement. The movie's themes of American identity, East-West tensions, and the mythologizing of the frontier resonated deeply with audiences grappling with their country's changing role in the world. The film industry itself was undergoing massive changes in 1917, with Hollywood firmly establishing itself as the global center of film production. This period also saw the rise of the feature-length film as the dominant format, replacing the short films that had characterized early cinema. The success of 'Wild and Woolly' helped cement Douglas Fairbanks' status as one of the first true movie stars and demonstrated the commercial viability of sophisticated comedy features.

Making Of

The production of 'Wild and Woolly' was marked by the intense creative partnership between Douglas Fairbanks, director John Emerson, and writer Anita Loos. Fairbanks, who was already becoming one of Hollywood's biggest stars, was deeply involved in every aspect of production, from script development to stunt choreography. The film was made during Fairbanks' contract with Triangle Film Corporation, one of the most prestigious studios of the era. The famous 'staged gunfight' sequence required extensive rehearsals and coordination among dozens of extras. Fairbanks insisted on performing his own stunts, much to the concern of the studio's insurance carriers. The film's success was such that it led to Fairbanks forming his own production company the following year, giving him complete creative control over his films. The chemistry between Fairbanks and co-star Eileen Percy was so well-received that they were paired in several subsequent films.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Victor Fleming and William C. McGann employed innovative techniques for its time, including dynamic camera movement during action sequences and careful composition to highlight Fairbanks' athletic abilities. The film utilized both interior studio sets and exterior locations to create visual contrasts between the 'civilized' and 'wild' versions of the town. The cinematographers experimented with lighting to create different moods for the various scenes, using harsher light for the 'staged' Western sequences and softer lighting for romantic moments. The film featured several impressive tracking shots, particularly during chase sequences, which were technically challenging for the era. The visual style balanced realistic Western landscapes with exaggerated, almost theatrical compositions that enhanced the film's satirical elements.

Innovations

The film featured several technical innovations for its time, particularly in its use of moving camera shots during action sequences. The production employed advanced matte painting techniques to create the illusion of expansive Western landscapes. The film's editing, particularly during the climactic sequences, was notably sophisticated for 1917, using cross-cutting and parallel action to build tension. The stunt work and special effects, while primitive by modern standards, were considered groundbreaking in their execution and integration into the narrative. The film also demonstrated early uses of process photography for certain composite shots. The production's ability to seamlessly blend studio sets with location footage was technically impressive for the period and contributed to the film's visual continuity.

Music

As a silent film, 'Wild and Woolly' was originally accompanied by live musical performances in theaters. The typical score would have included popular songs of the era, classical pieces, and specially composed mood music. The film's action sequences would have been accompanied by lively ragtime or marches, while romantic scenes featured waltzes and ballads. Many theaters used compiled cue sheets provided by the studio, which suggested appropriate music for each scene. The score likely included popular songs like 'I'm Always Chasing Rainbows' and other contemporary hits. Modern restorations have been accompanied by newly composed scores that attempt to capture the spirit of the original accompaniments while utilizing contemporary musical sensibilities.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Fairbanks' character enthusiastically practices quick-draw techniques in his Eastern mansion, surrounded by Western memorabilia and completely missing the mark every time.
• The elaborate staged bank robbery where the townspeople attempt to convince Fairbanks they're dangerous outlaws, resulting in comically inept 'criminal' behavior.
• The transformation scene where the civilized town is rapidly converted to look like a lawless Western settlement, with signs changed and actors hired to play roughnecks.
• The climactic sequence where real outlaws arrive and Fairbanks must use his 'practiced' Western skills to actually save the day.
• The romantic scene where Fairbanks attempts to woo Eileen Percy using his imagined Western charm, resulting in both comedy and genuine connection.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Wild and Woolly' for its originality, Fairbanks' athletic performance, and its clever blend of action and comedy. The Motion Picture News called it 'one of the most entertaining pictures of the year' and specifically noted Fairbanks' 'boundless energy and charm.' The New York Dramatic Mirror highlighted the film's 'ingenious plot construction' and 'excellent supporting cast.' Modern critics have come to appreciate the film as a sophisticated commentary on American myth-making and a precursor to postmodern Westerns. Film historian Kevin Brownlow has praised it as 'a perfect example of Fairbanks at his most inventive and appealing.' The film is frequently cited in scholarly works about early American comedy and the evolution of the Western genre, with particular attention paid to its meta-narrative elements and self-aware humor.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1917 embraced 'Wild and Woolly' enthusiastically, making it one of the biggest box office hits of the year. The film played to packed houses across the country and was held over in many theaters due to popular demand. Contemporary accounts describe audiences laughing uproariously at the staged Western sequences and cheering during Fairbanks' athletic stunts. The movie's appeal crossed demographic lines, attracting both the working-class audiences who loved action films and the middle-class viewers who appreciated its sophisticated humor. The film's success was particularly notable given that it was released during the tense period leading up to America's entry into World War I, suggesting that audiences sought escapist entertainment during uncertain times. Modern audiences rediscovering the film through restorations and special screenings have responded positively to its timeless humor and Fairbanks' charismatic performance.

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