Cast
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Marguerite Snow
as Zudora
James Cruze
as Hassam Ali / Jim Baird, Reporter
Harry Benham
as John Storm
Sidney Bracey
as Tom Hunt
Frank Farrington
as Capt Radcliffe
Mary Elizabeth Forbes
as Madame Duval
Jane Fairbanks
as Mrs. Ramsey
Morgan Niblack
as Bruce
Helen Badgley
as
Donald Gallaher
as
Albert Froom
as Mine Owner
Henry West
as
Mitchell Lewis
as
Roy Hauck
as
Crew
Director
- Frederick Sullivan
- Howell Hansel
Writer
- Francis Worcester Doughty
- Daniel Carson Goodman
- Lloyd Lonergan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Zudora represents a fascinating example of Mystery/Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Frederick Sullivan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1914, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Zudora took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 400 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 429 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 398 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1914, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Zudora shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Secret Kingdom, which focuses more on action than character development, Zudora offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Flash Gordon and The King of the Kongo explore similar territory, Zudora stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 20, 1914
- Runtime: 6h 40m
