Northwoods Movies Review…
Thrilling Northwoods Movies once ruled the theatres across the nation!
NORTHWOODS MOVIES Call of the North 1921 Remake Movie Review
Cecil B DeMille released his fourth motion picture THE CALL OF THE NORTH in 1914. It was given rave reviews. And became his first international hit.
I’ve even written a popular story on DeMille’s making of that classic Silent Movie: Cecil B DeMille, Call of the North & Tikah People – aka Tiger Indians.
The silent movie was based on Western writer Stewart Edward White’s best selling novel CONJUROR’S HOUSE: A Romance of the Free Forest.
Both book and movie were so popular that Paramount decided to do a remake of the film in 1921. Cecil B DeMille’s original screenplay had been based on White’s novel. And the 1908 stage play adaptation by George Broadhurst. It was rewritten by Jack Cunningham for the remake. Like the first version, the movie was filmed at Big Bear Lake.
Northwoods Movies: Jack Holt in THE CALL OF THE NORTH (Paramount)
“Jack Holt’s auspicious introduction to stardom. A stirring story of the Hudson Bay country, containing consistent characterizations and many high points of interest. Unbroken suspense is a valuable attribute of the picture. Directed by Joseph Henabery. From Stewart Edward White’s novel CONJUROR’S HOUSE.” – From Exhibitors Herald Movie Review, December 3, 1921
The Northwoods Movies review continued:
Jack Holt wins his spurs as a Paramount star in “The Call of the North.” It is one of the best Hudson Bay stories ever produced, and there’s not a mounted policeman in it. Stewart Edward White’s CONJUROR’S HOUSE” is the novel picturized. Joseph Henabery’s direction, plus the faultless settings and brilliant photography, presents the story in precise and telling order.
Holt is a man’s man in this Northwoods Movies picture, an upstanding free trader who opposes the dictatorial factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company and wins, logically. He eclipses his best previous work by a wide margin.
Madge Bellamy is the feminine lead. She convincingly plays the role of a sheltered daughter dramatically brought to a realization of life values. Francis MacDonald, in a small role, gives the next best single performance, though the work of none in the cast permits of serious criticism.
The picture should be given the auspicious surroundings the creditable first vehicle of a star deserves.
It will pay handsomely for work done in its behalf.
In the story, Ned Brent, a free trader who has successfully opposed the iron rule of the Hudson Bay Company’s factor, is captured and brought into the trading post.
They plan to keep him here until the snows come. Then to send him out upon the long trail without food or rifle. A custom said to have been followed by representatives of that concern.
Defying the factor, he falls in love with his daughter. And he finds the affection reciprocated. When her attempt to aid him to escape brings her father to the verge of murder it is brought out that the father is responsible for the death of Brent’s father years before. This complex situation is worked out logically and the picture brought quickly to a satisfying ending.
– A Northwoods Movies review from Exhibitors Herald, December 3, 1921
“Ned Trent (Jack Holt) is a free trader who has successfully opposed the iron rule of the Hudson’s Bay Company factor Galen Albret (Noah Berry). He’s captured and brought to the trading post. The powerful factor plans to keep him there until the first snowfall. And then send Ned out without any food or rifle. On La Longue Traverse, also called The Journey of Death. A cruel death sentence levied by the Company factors on those who defy them.
“Trent falls in love with the factor’s daughter Virginia (Madge Bellamy) and finds his affection reciprocated. When her attempt to aid Trent to escape brings her father to the verge of murder, it’s discovered that Albret had been responsible for the death of Trent’s father many years earlier.” – Wiki Review
“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe
Did you like this Northwoods Movies Review?
IF SO, YOU’VE GOT TO SEE “THE WRITERS OF THE NORTH-WEST MOUNTED POLICE” — MY MOST POPULAR LITERARY HISTORY POST:
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When our Canadian Mounted Police first arrived in the lawless North-West Territories, they soon entered our National Mythology. A look at the many writers who helped create that magnificent Mythology. Amply illustrated with glorious book and magazine covers. The GREATEST AUTHORS OF NORTH-WEST MOUNTED POLICE FICTION
See the original Exhibitors Herald Northwest Movies Review: Exhibitors Herald – Call of the North Film Review.
Top Header photo and photo below are of Big Bear Lake, where both Call of the North movies were filmed. Black and white images are of the movie.
