Backdrop preview The Pillory backdrop
The Pillory

The Pillory (1916)

Oct 08, 1916 50m Drama

A young girl is kept ignorant of her mother by her aunt. After her aunt dies, the girl is used by crooks and arrested. In prison she meets a kindly woman, who is married to a judge. The woman, unbeknownst to the girl, is her mother, and adopts her. The companion of the deceased aunt, in the midst of a ball, denounces the mother and reveals her secret to the judge and guests. The judge will not forgive his wife, so the mother and daughter leave and work among the slums to benefit humanity. Eventually, the judge relents, and seeks his wife for forgiveness, but he is too late.

Directed by Frederick Sullivan

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Frederick Sullivan
Producer
  • Edwin Thanhouser

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Pillory 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 Frederick Sullivan 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 1916, 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 Pillory took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 50 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 81 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 383 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1916, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Lower City, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Pillory subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Mutiny and Infatuation explore similar territory, The Pillory 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: October 8, 1916
  • Runtime: 50m

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