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 27 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 87 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
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 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 The Door Between, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Danger Trail offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Great Gatsby and Tarnish 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
