Introduction"A Romance of the Redwoods" is a 1917 black and white quiet western drama movie directed by the legendary filmmaker, Cecil B. DeMille. This movie is set versus the background of the California Gold Rush in 1850 and tells a compelling story intertwined with romance, betrayal, and redemption. Mary Pickford, among the most prominent stars in early Hollywood, plays the lead function of Jenny Lawrence.
Plot OverviewThe story starts with Jenny Lawrence voyaging to join her Uncle in California, who, unknown to her, has actually been just recently killed by 'Black' Brown for his gold. Brown finds Jenny's letter in her uncle's cabin, impersonating her uncle when she shows up. Jenny, ignorant and unwary, enjoys the company and attentions from Brown, uninformed of her uncle's tragic fate.
Jenny quickly gets courted by a good-looking however poor cowboy called Bill, stimulating jealousy from Brown. Seeing Jenny's attraction towards Bill, Brown attempts to discourage her by accusing him of being a burglar, but unsuccessful, he decides to rob the Wells Fargo gold shipment, framing Bill for the crime.
Main ConflictCosts is jailed and subsequently sentenced to hanging. Prior to the execution, Jenny discovers a damning letter linking Brown to the burglary and her Uncle's death. She begs the constable for a reprieve for Bill, revealing the letter as evidence but gets locked up for helping a criminal.
The climax unfolds when Bill escapes the noose, helped by his horse, Trixie, and hurries to save Jenny. In a gripping confrontation, Brown is shot; Bill saves Jenny and brings the genuine perpetrator's confession back to the puzzled town folks.
Resolution and ConclusionSet free, Bill and Jenny finally express their love and choose to start a brand-new life together. Jenny expresses her appreciation to Bill for saving her from being tricked by 'Black' Brown and applauds his heroism. In turn, Bill promises to constantly secure her. The movie concludes with the set riding away as a couple versus the backdrop of the lovely Redwoods.
Critique"A Romance of the Redwoods" was hailed as a box-office hit at the time due to its interesting plot, compelling performances, and DeMille's proficient instructions. Mary Pickford, dubbed "America's Sweetheart", offered a standout performance, showcasing her flexibility as an actor, similarly efficient in moments of comedy, drama, and action.
Though dating back to the early period of quiet cinema, the movie's narrative structure and character advancement were plainly specified and immersing. DeMille's direction was seamless and his capability to blend significant series with visual layers of the woods and mines was a cinematic achievement.
Another noteworthy component was the film's accurate depiction of the California Gold Rush times. This piece of realism added depth and credibility to the narrative and character motivations. Regardless of it being a silent film, DeMille successfully represented the essence of human emotions through expressive acting, comprehensive scenes, and clever modifying.
Last RemarksA Romance of the Redwoods is a critical movie in Hollywood's history. This silent classic film shows the early elegance of American cinema in story-telling and visual aesthetic, serving as a criteria for lots of western movies to follow. It remains a classic testimony to DeMille's directorial expertise and Pickford's excellent performance.
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