Cast
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Ethel Barrymore
as Nan Baldwin
William B. Davidson
as The Stranger
Walter Hitchcock
as John Blaisdell
George A. Wright
as Arthur Smithson
Viola A. Fortescue
as Mrs. Smithson
H.H. Pattee
as William 'Bill' Baldwin (as Herbert Pattee)
Mario Majeroni
as Baldini, Opera Impresario
Phil Sanford
as Dance Hall Proprietor
Ethel Corcoran
as Sylvia Blaisdell (as Ethel Dayton)
Ned Finley
as Miner (as Ned Finlay)
Claire McDowell
as Daisy
Richard Thornton
as Mr. Van Brunt
Crew
Director
- George D. Baker
Writer
- George D. Baker
Producer
- B.A. Rolfe
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The White Raven 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 George D. Baker 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 1917, 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 White Raven took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1917, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and 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
While The White Raven shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Godfather Part II, which focuses more on action than character development, The White Raven subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Godfather Part III and Zatoichi explore similar territory, The White Raven stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: January 14, 1917
- Runtime: 1h 22m
