Cast
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H.B. Warner
as John Howland
Violet Heming
as Meleese Thoreau
Lawson Butt
as Jean Croisset (as W. Lawson Butt)
Arthur Donaldson
as Pierre Thoreau
Richard Thornton
as Max Thoreau
Harold Howard
as MacDonald
William F. Cooper
as Jackpine (as William Cooper)
S.M. Unander
as Thorne
Arthur Cozine
as François Thoreau
Crew
Director
- Frederick A. Thomson
Producer
- William Nicholas Selig
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Danger Trail 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 A. Thomson 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 Danger Trail took approximately 28 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 80 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 346 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1917, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- 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 Danger 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 Bringing Up Betty, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Danger Trail subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Pants and The Grip of Evil explore similar territory, Danger Trail stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 30, 1917
- Runtime: 50m
