Backdrop preview Flower of the North backdrop
Flower of the North

Flower of the North (1921)

Two men, Philip Whittemore (Henry B. Walthall) and Thorpe (Harry Northrup) both go to the Northwest to gain the right-of-way for their railroad company from D'Arcambal (Emmett King). Whittemore arrives first and D'Arcambal refuses to meet with him until he saves his daughter, Jeanne (Pauline Starke) from going over the rapids. Then Thorpe arrives and tries to use force by kidnapping Jeanne and insisting that he is her father.

Directed by David Smith

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • David Smith
Writer
  • Bradley J. Smollen

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Flower of the North 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 David Smith 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 1921, 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 Flower of the North took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1921, when this film was released:
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Flower of the North shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Once Upon a Time in the West, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Flower of the North subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Eternal Struggle and Showdown at Williams Creek explore similar territory, Flower of the North 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: December 4, 1921
  • Runtime: 1h 32m