Cast
View All
Harry Todd
as Booge
Bobby Kelso
as Buddy
F.A. Turner
as Peter Lane
Lillian Leighton
as Widow Potter
Florence Vidor
as Marcia Montgomery
Willis Marks
as Rasmer Briggles
James Corrigan
as George Rapp
Claire McDowell
as Lize Merdin
Charles Arling
as The Doctor
Irene Yeager
as Susie
Carol Marshall
as Jane
Anna Dodge
as Undetermined Role
Crew
Director
- King Vidor
Writer
- William Parker
Producer
- King Vidor
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Jack-Knife Man 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 King Vidor 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 1920, 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 Jack-Knife Man took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 2311 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1920, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- 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 The Jack-Knife Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mississippi Burning, which focuses more on action than character development, The Jack-Knife Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Time to Kill and The Fan explore similar territory, The Jack-Knife Man stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 31, 1920
- Runtime: 1h 18m
