Watch A Romance of The Redwoods

A Romance of The Redwoods is a silent movie released in 1917 which was directed by Cecil B. DeMille, an iconic filmmaker of the era. The movie stars Mary Pickford, who was known for her portrayal of innocent and virtuous characters. In this movie, she played the role of Jenny Lawrence, a young city girl who sets out on an adventurous journey into the redwoods of Northern California.

The opening scenes of the movie establish Jenny as a vivacious and curious young woman who works in a hotel in San Francisco. Her boss, Josiah Brown (Tully Marshall), is a wealthy businessman who has his eyes set on Jenny. However, she is not interested in his advances and rebuffs him politely. One day, Jenny discovers that her father, who she believed was dead, is alive and living in the redwoods. She is ecstatic at this news and decides to travel there to meet him.

As Jenny embarks on her journey, she encounters Jack Rance (Elliott Dexter), a sheriff who is tasked with tracking down a thief named Big Bill. Jack is initially suspicious of Jenny, thinking that she might be aiding Big Bill. However, he soon realizes that she is innocent and decides to help her on her journey. Together, they navigate the treacherous terrain of the redwoods and face several challenges along the way.

One of the standout elements of this movie is the lush cinematography of the redwood forests, which were a relatively unexplored territory at the time. The movie features stunning shots of towering redwoods, rushing rivers, and breathtaking vistas that showcase the natural beauty of the region. These scenes provide a stark contrast to the urban setting of San Francisco, highlighting the difference between city life and the serenity of nature.

As Jenny and Jack journey deeper into the forest, they encounter Big Bill (played by Raymond Hatton), a rough and tumble outlaw who has been living in the forest for years. Despite his gruff exterior, Big Bill takes a liking to Jenny and agrees to help her find her father. However, they soon realize that Josiah Brown has been following them and is determined to capture Big Bill.

The tension between Josiah and Jack comes to a head in a thrilling climax that involves a horseback chase through the redwoods. Throughout the movie, Pickford's character demonstrates great courage and resourcefulness. She is never portrayed as a damsel in distress but rather as a capable adventurer who is determined to find her father.

In addition to the stunning visuals and exciting action scenes, A Romance of The Redwoods is also notable for its romantic subplot. The chemistry between Pickford and Dexter is palpable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and playful flirtations. The movie also features a memorable scene where the two of them dance together in a clearing under the stars.

Overall, A Romance of The Redwoods is a classic silent movie that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. Pickford's natural charm and charisma make her a compelling lead, and DeMille's direction perfectly captures the majesty of the redwoods. The movie is a testament to the enduring power of classic cinema and remains a beloved example of early Hollywood filmmaking.

A Romance of The Redwoods is a 1917 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.