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The Roaring Road

The Roaring Road (1919)

Apr 26, 1919 58m Drama Comedy

"Toodles" Waldron, racing enthusiast and the best salesman for J. D. Ward's automobile company, quarrels with his boss; Ward will not let him enter the Santa Monica Grand Prize Road Race, or marry his daughter Dorothy.

Directed by James Cruze

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • James Cruze
Producer
  • Jesse L. Lasky

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Roaring Road examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director James Cruze 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1919, 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 The Roaring Road took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 58 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 86 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1919, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Roaring Road shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Return to Campus, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Roaring Road subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Ping Pong and Green Flash explore similar territory, The Roaring Road 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: April 26, 1919
  • Runtime: 58m

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