The Warrens of Virginia is a 1924 American silent drama film directed by Elmer Clifton. It was produced and distributed by Fox Film Corporation.[1]
| The Warrens of Virginia | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Elmer Clifton |
| Written by | William C. de Mille |
| Based on | The Warrens of Virginia by William C. de Mille |
| Produced by | Fox Film Corporation |
| Starring | Martha Mansfield, Wilfred Lytell |
| Distributed by | Fox Film Corporation |
Release date |
|
Running time | 7 reels |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
Plot
editAs described in a review in a film magazine,[2] Burton (Lytell) and Agatha Warren (Mansfield) were childhood sweethearts and grew up together. At the start of the Civil War, Burton becomes a Lieutenant in the Union Army while all of Agatha’s family are on the confederate side. After four years of fighting, a situation arose where General Lee’s confederate army was dependent upon the arrival of a supply train. The Union general, urging patriotism, persuades Burton to carry a false message when he goes to call on Agatha, arranging with a spy so that Burton would be captured by Confederate forces. The scheme works, the train is captured, and Lee surrenders to end the war. Furious at his perfidy, and considered as a spy, the Confederates led by Hill Buzzard take Burton out to be hanged. Agatha, although incensed at Burton, rides to get help. Burton is placed on his horse and a noose placed around his neck. The Confederates intend to drive his horse from under him, but the horse refuses to budge though severely beaten, giving time for the rescue party summoned by the heroine to arrived and save Burton. Five years later, Burton returns, Agatha forgives him, and they find happiness together.
Cast
edit- George Backus as General Warren
- Rosemary Hill as Betty Warren
- Martha Mansfield as Agatha Warren
- Robert Andrews as Arthur Warren
- Wilfred Lytell as Ned Burton
- Harlan Knight as Pap
- James Turfler as Danny
- Helen Ray Kyle as The Little Reb
- Wilbur J. Fox as Ulysses S. Grant
- J. Barney Sherry as Robert E. Lee
- Frank Andrews as General Griffin
Production
editThe film was shot in San Antonio, Texas. Brackenridge Park doubled as a battlefield at Appomattox.
Martha Mansfield was on the set when her period hoop dress caught fire, possibly from a discarded match. She died at a hospital the next day.[3] Most of Mansfield's scenes had been shot, so production of the film continued.
Preservation
editWith no prints of The Warrens of Virginia located in any film archives,[4] it is a lost film.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ The Warrens of Virginia at silentera.com
- ^ Sewell, C. S. (November 1, 1924). "The Warrens of Virginia; William Fox Offers Romantic Drama of Civil War Period Based on a DeMille- Belasco Stage Play". The Moving Picture World. 71 (1). New York City: Chalmers Publishing Co.: 75. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ "Martha Mansfield, Movie Star, Dies As The Result Of Burns". Meriden Morning Record. December 1, 1923. p. 1. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
- ^ The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Warrens of Virginia
External links
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