Cast
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Edward Arnold
as Johan (John) Sutter
Lee Tracy
as Pete Perkin
Binnie Barnes
as Countess Elizabeth Bartoffski
Katharine Alexander
as Anna Sutter
Montagu Love
as Capt. Kettleson
Addison Richards
as James Marshall
John Miljan
as Gen. Juan Bautista Alvarado
Harry Carey
as Kit Carson
William Janney
as John Sutter Jr.
Nan Grey
as Ann Eliza Sutter
Robert Warwick
as Gen. Alexander Rotscheff
Morgan Wallace
as General Fremont
Allen Vincent
as Juan Bautista Alvarado Jr.
Mitchell Lewis
as King Kamehameha
Stanley Andrews
as Senator Rand
Crew
Director
- James Cruze
Writer
- George O'Neil
- Bruno Frank
- Blaise Cendrars
- Jack Kirkland
- Walter Woods
Producer
- Edmund Grainger
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Sutter's Gold represents a fascinating example of Western 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 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1936, 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 Sutter's Gold took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 313 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1497 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1936, 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 Sutter's Gold shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dances with Wolves, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sutter's Gold subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hidalgo and Open Range explore similar territory, Sutter's Gold 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: March 1, 1936
- Runtime: 1h 34m
