Cast
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William Desmond Taylor
as Robert W. Wainwright AKA Captain Alvarez
Edith Storey
as Bonita - Don Arana's Niece
George Stanley
as Rosas - President of Argentina
George Holt
as Tirzo AKA Del Caprio - the Spy
Otto Lederer
as Don Arana - the Foreign Minister
Myrtle Gonzalez
as Mercedes - Bonita's Companion
George Kunkel
as Gonzalo - Chief of Police
Crew
Director
- Rollin S. Sturgeon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Captain Alvarez 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 Rollin S. Sturgeon 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 1914, 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 Captain Alvarez took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 185 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1914, 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: May 18, 1914
- Runtime: 1h 15m