Backdrop preview Heritage backdrop
Heritage

Heritage (1915)

Jul 29, 1915 40m Drama

Kate, whose father, a university graduate, died when she was very young, is adopted by her tenement neighbor, Mrs. McMahon, after her mother, a woman of refinement, dies. At ten, the ill-nourished girl, who has grown up watching her drunken foster father fight with her overworked foster mother, goes to work in a factory after Mr. McMahon loses his job. During the next eight years, Kate's stepbrother, Big Bill McMahon, becomes her friend, sweetheart and protector.

Directed by Robert Z. Leonard

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Robert Z. Leonard
Writer
  • Harry G. Stafford

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Heritage 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 Robert Z. Leonard 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 1915, 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 Heritage took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 40 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 86 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1846 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1915, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular 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

Details

  • Release Date: July 29, 1915
  • Runtime: 40m

Similar Movies