Cast
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Dolores del Río
as Evangeline
Roland Drew
as Gabriel
Alec B. Francis
as Father Felician
Donald Reed
as Baptiste
Paul McAllister
as Benedict Bellefontaine
James A. Marcus
as Basil
George F. Marion
as René La Blanc
Bobbie Mack
as Michael
Louis Payne
as Governor-General
Lee Shumway
as Col. Winslow
Louise Emmons
as Women Receiving Apple
Lafe McKee
as Townsman
Crew
Director
- Edwin Carewe
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Evangeline 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 Edwin Carewe 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 1929, 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 Evangeline took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 101 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1929, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Evangeline shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Jerome's Secret, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Evangeline offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas and The Last Fiction explore similar territory, Evangeline stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: August 24, 1929
- Runtime: 1h 30m
