Cast
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Harry A. Pollard
as John Douglas
Lucille Ward
as Mrs. Chalmers - the Hostess
Joseph Singleton
as De Villiers - a Man about Town / Neto - Tribal Chief
Margarita Fischer
as Nai
Robyn Adair
as Kaura - Tribal Sub-Chief
William A. Carroll
as The Tribal Priest
Nan Christy
as Helen Carruthers - a Social Butterfly
Crew
Director
- Harry A. Pollard
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Quest 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 Harry A. Pollard 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 The Quest took approximately 11 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 100 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1878 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1915, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Quest 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 Letter, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Quest offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Shadows of the Circus and The Secret Kingdom explore similar territory, The Quest 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: March 22, 1915
- Runtime: 50m
