A Girl of the Limberlostis a 1924 American silent film, produced byGene Stratton-Porterand directed byJames Leo Meehan.It starsGloria Grey,Emily Fitzroy,andArthur Currier,and was released on April 28, 1924. The first adaptation of Stratton-Porter's famous novel, this silent film is considered lost.
| A Girl of the Limberlost | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | James Leo Meehan |
| Based on | A Girl of the Limberlost byGene Stratton-Porter |
| Produced by | Gene Stratton-Porter |
| Starring | Gloria Grey Emily Fitzroy Arthur Currier |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Film Booking Office of America |
Release date |
|
Running time | 60 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
editThe movie is set in Indiana, around the Limberlost swamp. It is the story of a young girl, Elnora Comstock, who is emotionally abused by her mother, who blames her for the death of her father. Elnora has a love of nature and sells her moth collection to pay for her education. As she begins her education, Elnora finds that she is exceptionally gifted in her classes, particularly inmathematics.Soon, she meets Phillip Ammon with whom she falls in love with. Phillip, who is engaged to Edith Carr, finds himself conflicted between the two. This results in Edith, who is angered by his interest in Elnora, jilting him.
However, Edith later attempts to rekindle the affection between the pair causing Elnora to leave in order to allow Phillip decide who he wishes to be with. Elnora's mother, Kate Comstock, eventually learns of the faithlessness of her husband and tries to make up to her daughter for her neglect and harshness. Philip then becomes sick and Elnora, who had been away, returns to take care of him. Deciding that he is truly in love with Elnora, Phillip asks her to marry him.[1]
Cast
edit
- Gloria Greyas Elnora Comstock
- Emily Fitzroyas Kate Comstock
- Arthur Currieras Robert Comstock
- Raymond Mckeeas Phillip Ammon
- Gertrude Olmstedas Edith Cart
- Cullen Landisas Hart Henderson
- Alfred Allenas Wesley Sinton
- Virginia Boardmanas Margaret Sinton
- Myrtle Vaneas Elvira Carney
- Buck Black/Newton Hallas Billy
- Lisamae Greyas the Bird-Woman
Production and distribution
editThe 1924 film was produced by Gene Stratton-Porter Productions, a film company the author herself founded to translate her many novels into movies. Porter was the primary writer of the story and scenarios and the film was directed by her son in law, James Leo Meehan. The silent movie was 6 reels long, approximating to around an hour in length. The aspect ratio was 1.33:1.A Girl of the Limberlostwas distributed by theFilm Booking Office of America(FBO) and received much praise from the public.
Reception
editFollowing its release on April 28, 1924 this film received high praise from critics. Indeed, reviewers praised the acting in the film, one reviewer forMoving Picture Worldwriting that Emily Fitzroy's portrayal of the somber, brooding women dominates the first half of the picture, partly through the dramatic force of the story and largely through her own expertness. "[1]Another reviewer forExhibitors Heraldmimics this opinion, also commenting on the "fine work" Gloria Grey performs throughout the movie.[2]
The film was largely successful, noted as one of the surprise pictures of the year. In Everett, Washington, A Girl of the Limberlost made more money than some of the best pictures of the year and it played for 3 weeks in Los Angeles. TheNew York Daily Newswrote, "If you've read the book, go see the picture,-if you haven't read it, go see it anyway."[3]
References
edit- ^abSmith, Summer (May 10, 1924)."Girl of the Limberlost".Moving Picture World.
- ^"Girl of the Limberlost".Exhibitors Herald.May 17, 1924. pp. 50–51.
- ^"We've Quit Guessing".Exhibitors Herald.October 18, 1924. p. 115.
External links
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