Cast
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Dorothy Mackaill
as Ruth Jordan
Ian Keith
as Steven Ghent
Myrna Loy
as Manuella
Creighton Hale
as Edgar Blossom
Lucien Littlefield
as Texas Tommy
Ben Hendricks Jr.
as Dutch Romero
George Fawcett
as Macgregor
Claude Gillingwater
as Winthrop Amesbury
Roy Stewart
as Joe Morgan
Jean Laverty
as Verna
Frank Tang
as Wong
Bill Elliott
as Ruth's Friend (uncredited)
James Ford
as Ruth's Friend (uncredited)
Seymour Kupper
as Minor Role (uncredited)
Jean Lorraine
as Polly (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Reginald Barker
Writer
- William Vaughn Moody
Producer
- Robert North
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Romance/Western film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Great Divide distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Reginald Barker 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1929, 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 Great Divide took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 72 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 106 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 272 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1929, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Great Divide shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Now and Forever, which focuses more on action than character development, The Great Divide offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Sing for Your Supper and The Cave Man explore similar territory, The Great Divide stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: September 15, 1929
- Runtime: 1h 12m
