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The Eyes of the Totem

The Eyes of the Totem (1927)

May 15, 1927 1h 21m Drama

After selling out a mining claim in the desolate and frigid north, Miriam Hardy moves to Tacoma with her husband and young daughter to start a new life. Things don't go as planned when her husband is murdered by a mysterious sinister eyed stranger, leaving Ms. Hardy a destitute widow. With the police unable to help find the murderer, Ms. Hardy is rescued by a kindly elderly beggar and taken in by a beggar's society. Miriam enrolls her daughter in a private seminary and lives a double life as a street beggar and a member of polite society, until a chance encounter one day leads her back to the sinister eyed stranger she has been seeking for years.

Directed by W.S. Van Dyke

Cast

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Wanda Hawley
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Wanda Hawley

as Mariam Hardy

Tom Santschi
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Tom Santschi

as Philip La Rue

Anne Cornwall
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Anne Cornwall

as Betty Hardy

Gareth Hughes
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Gareth Hughes

as Bruce Huston

Bert Woodruff
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Bert Woodruff

as Toby

Violet Palmer
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Violet Palmer

as Stella Haynes

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Monte Wax

as Jim Hardy

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Mary Louise Jones

as Mrs. Francis Huston

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Dorothy Llewellyn

as Peggy Huston

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Nell Barry Taylor

as Bessie Snyder

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Peggy Ann Sessoms

as Baby Sessoms

Crew

Director
  • W.S. Van Dyke

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Eyes of the Totem 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 W.S. Van Dyke 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 1927, 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 Eyes of the Totem took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2447 individual shots.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1927, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • 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

Details

  • Release Date: May 15, 1927
  • Runtime: 1h 21m

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