The Lonedale Operator
The Lonedale Operator | |
---|---|
G. W. Bitzer | |
Distributed by | Biograph Company |
Release date |
|
Running time | 17 minutes (16 frame/s) |
Country | United States |
Language | Silent with English intertitles |
The Lonedale Operator
Unlike most films at the time which had a simple plot line set in one location, The Lonedale Operator "intercuts three primary spaces—the telegraph office interior, the criminals outside, and the rescue train."[3] Although audiences in 1911 were not used to such editing, as there were more than 100 shots in the film, the use of the telegraph helped them understand the crosscutting between scenes in such a way that they could follow the plot.[4][5] The film is also significant for Griffith's use of a close-up of a wrench, which the girl had pretended was a gun. At the time of the film's release, close-ups were still uncommon. The Lonedale Operator illustrates Griffith's growing mastery of the medium.[6]
A print of the film survives in the film archive of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.[7]
Cast
- Verner Clarges as In Payroll Office
- Guy Hedlund as On Train
- Jeanie MacPherson as In Payroll Office
- W. C. Robinson as In Payroll Office
- Edward Dillon as Telegrapher (uncredited)
- Francis J. Grandon as The Engineer (uncredited)
- Joseph Graybill as A Tramp (uncredited)
- Dell Henderson as A Tramp (uncredited)
- Wilfred Lucas as The Fireman (uncredited)
- W. Chrystie Miller as In Station Lobby (uncredited)
- George Nicholsas The Lonedale Operator (uncredited)
- Blanche Sweet as Daughter of the Lonedale Operator (uncredited)
- Charles West as Company Agent (uncredited)
See also
References
- ^ Griffith, G.W. (1911). "The Lonedale Operator" (Complete Film).
- ^ "The Lonedale Operator (1911)". Cinema Century. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
- ^ "The Lonedale Operator (1911)". Preserved Films. National Film Preservation Foundation. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
- ISBN 978-0-205-69590-4.
- ISBN 9780262572286.
- ^ Ellenberger, Allan R. "The Centenary of the close-up". Hollywoodland: A Site About Hollywood and Its History. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
- ^ "Silent Era: The Lonedale Operator". silentera. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
External links
- The Lonedale Operator at IMDb