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The Wild Girl

The Wild Girl (1917)

Sep 01, 1917 50m Comedy Drama

A dying stranger abandons a baby girl in a gypsy camp, with a note explaining that on her eighteenth birthday, she is to inherit a Virginia estate. The gypsy chief, aware of the girl's value, instructs Sabia, the tribe's matron, to dress and rear her as a boy. Years later, while the tribe is traveling in Virginia, Vosho, the chief's son, discovers the true sex of the girl, now called Firefly, and demands to marry her.

Directed by Howard Estabrook

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Howard Estabrook

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Wild Girl 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 Howard Estabrook 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 Wild Girl 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 78 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.

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

Details

  • Release Date: September 1, 1917
  • Runtime: 50m

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