Watch The Call of the Cumberlands

The Call of the Cumberlands is a silent film released in 1916 that features a romantic plot set against the backdrop of the Kentucky mountains. It stars Dustin Farnum as Calep, a young man who falls in love with Melissa (Winifred Kingston), a schoolteacher from the city who comes to the mountains to teach the children of the area. Calep is a proud mountain man, fiercely independent and deeply rooted in his community. He is skeptical of Melissa at first, but soon finds himself drawn to her intelligence, beauty, and kindness. Melissa, in turn, is charmed by Calep's ruggedness and honor.

As their relationship deepens, they face obstacles from both within and outside the community. Calep's fierce loyalty to his family and his way of life is tested when a mining company comes to the mountains, promising jobs and prosperity but threatening the land and the people's way of life. Melissa, too, finds herself struggling to fit in and gain acceptance from the locals, and must confront her own prejudices and assumptions about the people of the mountains.

Throughout the film, the beauty of the Kentucky landscape is showcased, with sweeping panoramic shots of the mountains and valleys. The contrast between Melissa's polished, city-bred demeanor and the rough, earthy ways of the mountain people is a central theme, highlighting the clash between the old ways and the new.

Farnum delivers a nuanced performance as Calep, balancing his pride and honor with moments of tenderness and vulnerability. Kingston shines as Melissa, portraying a strong, independent woman who is willing to challenge her own assumptions in order to be true to herself and her ideals. Supporting actors, including Herbert Standing as a wealthy businessman who represents the forces of progress and change in the mountains, provide strong performances as well.

The film's cinematography is impressive for its time, with a clear attention to detail and an eye for capturing both the grandeur of the landscape and the subtleties of human emotion. The script is at times sappy and melodramatic, but never loses sight of the central themes of love, honor, and community that drive the narrative.

Overall, The Call of the Cumberlands is a charming, if somewhat dated, romantic drama that captures the spirit of a unique time and place in American history. The film is interesting from a historical perspective, as it offers a glimpse into the popular culture and attitudes of the early twentieth century. It is also a delightful showcase for the talents of its lead actors, who bring both depth and nuance to their roles. Recommended for fans of silent film, romantic drama, and classic cinema.