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The Tiger's Trail

The Tiger's Trail (1919)

A cult of Hindu tiger worshippers and a gang of Western outlaws try to cheat a young woman out of rich mines that belong to her.

Directed by Louis J. Gasnier

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Louis J. Gasnier
  • Paul Hurst
  • Robert Ellis
Writer
  • Gilson Willets
  • Charles Logue

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Crime/Action/Adventure/Romance film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Tiger's Trail distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Louis J. Gasnier 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 1919, 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 Tiger's Trail took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 300 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 353 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 120 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1919, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • 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 The Tiger's Trail shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Queen of the Northwoods, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Tiger's Trail subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Secret Kingdom and Flash Gordon explore similar territory, The Tiger's Trail stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 20, 1919
  • Runtime: 5h