A Romance of The Redwoods

A Romance of the Redwoods is a 1917 silent black-and-white film directed by Cecil B. DeMille, and stars celebrated luminaries of the era, including Mary Pickford, Elliott Dexter, and Tully Marshall. Considered one of DeMille's early works, the film stands as a testament to Pickford's star power and DeMille's mastery behind the camera.

The narrative of A Romance of the Redwoods is set in the 1850s, during the fever pitch of the California Gold Rush. The film does a remarkable task offering a lens to this historic period, contributing to the vibrant ambience of the narrative. The vast redwood forests, the old mines, the hustling frontier towns, all form a tumultuous backdrop for this romantic drama.

Our protagonist, Jenny Lawrence, portrayed by Mary Pickford, is a young and naive Easterner who embarks on a journey across the country to join her uncle in California. She brings with her an optimism that defies the harsh realities of the world she is stepping into. Pickford offers a captivating performance, showcasing the transformation of innocent Jenny into a resilient frontier woman dealing with the challenges of a lawless land.

Jenny soon crosses paths with an outlaw known as "Black" Brown, portrayed with rugged charm by Elliott Dexter. Notorious yet charismatic, Black is a man of many contradictions who finds himself bewitched by Jenny's innocence and spirit. Dexter's portrayal of Black Brown showcases his expertise at creating a flawed yet likable character.

In the film, Tully Marshall's character provides a clever contrast to Pickford and Dexter's roles, and his performance adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.

The film is not just a romantic tale, it is also a blend of various elements such as suspense, drama, humor, and action. DeMille does an impeccable job merging these components together to create a cohesive narrative. The film offers moments of laughter and tears, tension and relief, all within the thriving landscape of the California Gold Rush.

One of the key elements of A Romance of the Redwoods is its visual storytelling, something that DeMille would become known for in his career. The cinematography is impressive for its time, with innovative shots and dramatic use of light and shadow. It paints a vivid picture of the Californian wilderness and the life of its inhabitants.

A substantial feature of the film is the delicate yet meaningful romantic development between Pickford and Dexter's characters. Their romantic arc is slow-paced yet eloquently portrayed. As they navigate the dangers of the unforgiving wilderness together, the way their relationship unfolds feels genuine and unaffected. This progression is aided by the palpable chemistry between Pickford and Dexter, indicating exceptional casting choices and strong performances by the actors.

Another significant aspect of A Romance of the Redwoods is the way it handles its female character. Jenny is not just a damsel in distress but emerges as a resourceful and strong woman who can hold her own in an intimidating environment.

The film's narrative never shies away from emphasizing the lawless, violent nature of the Gold Rush era, featuring elements such as greed, betrayal, and revenge. But it is the resilience and benevolence of our heroes that ultimately shine through the dark shadows of these trying times.

Decades after its release, A Romance of the Redwoods still stands as an influential piece of early Hollywood cinema. Cecil B. DeMille's perceptive direction, coupled with gripping performances by Mary Pickford, Elliott Dexter, and Tully Marshall, have ensured this film remains a relevant slice of cinematic history that continues to offer an engaging viewing experience.