A Romance in the Redwoods (1917)

It has been somewhat forgotten in modern times, but Mary Pickford was the biggest movie star of her era. The only person even close to her was Chaplin, and their formation of United Artists was largely because the two became too expensive for other studios to afford. In 1917 Pickford was earning roughly $375,000 for each picture she made. This typically meant the rest of the film's budget would be very modest. So for those wondering why the great DeMille made a film consisting of roughly one major set and a few outdoor locales, this might help to explain it. By most accounts DeMille and Pickford didn't get along too well, which isn't too surprising considering how controlling each could be. However they apparently liked the results because they did make at least one more film together (The Little American, made the same year). What may seem curious about this film for Pickford fans is the fact that she plays someone roughly her own age. Pickford was about 25 when she made the picture and she plays a young woman who gets thrust into adulthood following the death of her mother.

She decides she's going to move out to California to be with her uncle, but before she arrives her uncle is killed by Indians. An outlaw comes across the dead uncle and assumes his clothes and identity. After a month long journey across the country, Pickford arrives to find her uncle's cabin lacks a few necessities. However after a rocky start her and the outlaw begin to bond, although her pleas to make him reform his ways go unheeded. It isn't until the police discover his identity and put a noose around his neck that he finally can reform. Little Mary winds up saving the day with a clever although hardly believable ruse. The film can be viewed as a lesser DeMille effort, churned out during his incredibly prolific early period. However Pickford makes the film worthwhile and its nice seeing her not pretend to be a 14 year old (ala Pollyanna).

*The film is available on DVD courtesy of the 5 disc public domain "Early Films of Cecil B. DeMille" set. Although the prints might not be pristine, for the price it is a treasure.