The Shadow of Lightning Ridge: Difference between revisions
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It is now considered a [[lost film]]. |
It is now considered a [[lost film]]. |
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[[Charles Chauvel]] had a small role as a groom.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132858377 |title=TOPICS OF THE DAY |newspaper=[[Newcastle Morning Herald And Miners' Advocate]] |issue=21,972 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=6 March 1947 |accessdate=14 March 2019 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> |
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==Synopsis== |
==Synopsis== |
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An Australian ([[Snowy Baker]]) sent to England for university education discovers that his mother has been victimised by a powerful squatter, Sir Edward Marriott ([[Wilfred Lucas]]). He returns to Australia and becomes a bushranger known as 'The Shadow', who only attacks Sir Edward's property. One day he rescues Sir Edward's fiancée, Dorothy ([[Agnes Vernon]]), from real bushrangers and falls in love with her. Later on he discovers he is the real heir to Sir Edward's property.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57922010 "WEST'S PICTURES." ''The Register (Adelaide)'' 28 Sep 1920: 6] accessed 18 December 2011</ref> |
An Australian ([[Snowy Baker]]) sent to England for university education discovers that his mother has been victimised by a powerful squatter, Sir Edward Marriott ([[Wilfred Lucas]]). He returns to Australia and becomes a bushranger known as 'The Shadow', who only attacks Sir Edward's property.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146689823 |title="THE SHADOW OF LIGHTNING RIDGE" |newspaper=[[Table Talk]] |issue=1810 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=1 April 1920 |accessdate=14 March 2019 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> |
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One day he rescues Sir Edward's fiancée, Dorothy ([[Agnes Vernon]]), from real bushrangers and falls in love with her. Later on he discovers he is the real heir to Sir Edward's property.<ref>[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57922010 "WEST'S PICTURES." ''The Register (Adelaide)'' 28 Sep 1920: 6] accessed 18 December 2011</ref> |
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==Cast== |
==Cast== |
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*Bernice Vere as Portuguese Annie |
*Bernice Vere as Portuguese Annie |
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*[[Wilfred Lucas]] as Sir Edward Marriott |
*[[Wilfred Lucas]] as Sir Edward Marriott |
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*Evelyn Johnson<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120524924 |title=NEW AUSTRALIAN-MADE FILM |newspaper=[[Sunday Times]] |issue=1790 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=16 May 1920 |accessdate=14 March 2019 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> |
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==Production== |
==Production== |
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The script was clearly inspired by [[Zorro]], which [[Bess Meredyth]] later adapted in ''[[The Mark of Zorro (1940 film)|The Mark of Zorro]]'' (1940). After reading the script and seeing the stunts he was required to perform, Baker reportedly went out and insured himself for £5,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57922710 |title=AMUSEMENTS. |newspaper=[[The Register (Adelaide)|The Register]] |location=Adelaide |date=30 September 1920 |accessdate=25 July 2012 |page=9 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref> |
The script was clearly inspired by [[Zorro]], which [[Bess Meredyth]] later adapted in ''[[The Mark of Zorro (1940 film)|The Mark of Zorro]]'' (1940). After reading the script and seeing the stunts he was required to perform, Baker reportedly went out and insured himself for £5,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57922710 |title=AMUSEMENTS. |newspaper=[[The Register (Adelaide)|The Register]] |location=Adelaide |date=30 September 1920 |accessdate=25 July 2012 |page=9 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref> |
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Bernice Vere was a discovery of Baker's.<ref>{{Citation |
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| ⚫ | |||
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| title=The bulletin |
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| publication-date=1880 |
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| publisher=John Haynes and J.F. Archibald |
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| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-665875923 |
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| accessdate=14 March 2019 |
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}} </ref> She was signed to a 12 month contract.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212993205 |title=[?] Baptist Association. |newspaper=[[Quorn Mercury]] |volume= |location=South Australia |date=10 September 1920 |accessdate=14 March 2019 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> |
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Shooting took place in early 1920 in the bush near Sydney, at Bulli Pass and Loddon Falls<ref>{{Citation |
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| author1=Australian Geographical Society. |
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| author2=Australian National Publicity Association. |
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| author3=Australian National Travel Association. |
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| title=Walkabout |
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| publication-date=1934 |
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| publisher=Australian National Travel Association |
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| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-751074193 |
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| accessdate=14 March 2019 |
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| ⚫ | }} </ref> and at a studio built by [[E.J. Carroll]] at Palmerston near Waverly.<ref>[http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/8739/PalmerstonStudio.pdf 'Palmerston Studio: Our pioneer silent film studio' Waverly Council]</ref> A highlight of the film was Snowy Baker on horseback jumping 40 metres off a cliff.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57917030 |title=AUSTRALIAN-MADE FILMS. |newspaper=[[The Register (Adelaide)|The Register]] |location=Adelaide |date=25 September 1920 |accessdate=25 July 2012 |page=10 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57922010 |title=WEST'S PICTURES. |newspaper=[[The Register (Adelaide)|The Register]] |location=Adelaide |date=28 September 1920 |accessdate=25 July 2012 |page=6 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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The film was a success at the Australian box office and was released in the US.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32066827 |title=AUSTRALIAN FILMS. |newspaper=[[The West Australian]] |location=Perth |date=23 November 1927 |accessdate=25 July 2012 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref> |
The film was a success at the Australian box office and was released in the US.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32066827 |title=AUSTRALIAN FILMS. |newspaper=[[The West Australian]] |location=Perth |date=23 November 1927 |accessdate=25 July 2012 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |
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| |
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| title=Everyones |
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| publication-date=1920 |
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| publisher=Everyones Ltd |
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| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-541859968 |
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| accessdate=14 March 2019 |
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}} </ref> |
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Dan Carroll later said his company "was encouraged to consider making further pictures. It found, however, that small producers had entered the field, and, releasing pictures of a low duality, had made Australian films subjects for the ridicule of audiences. Lack of Australian stories suitable for dramatisation and the fact that oversea producers were releasing films more than sufficient for market needs had also forced him and his associates to abandon the production of films."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32066827 |title=AUSTRALIAN FILMS. |newspaper=[[The West Australian]] |volume=XLIII, |issue=7,939 |location=Western Australia |date=23 November 1927 |accessdate=14 March 2019 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> |
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The trade paper ''Everyone's'' said: |
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<blockquote>Baker as an elusive bushranger brings joy to the hearts of the Pussyfoots by entirely wrecking a bush pub. Snowy doesn’t do it on behalf of prohibition. He’s escaping from the Law and the big fight that ensues causes the damage. It was thought at first that the big scene could be done with empty bottles on the shelves, but so many were smashed that it was found that there was a sad lack of realism. So, to the horror of many actors, dozens of bottles of real whisky were deliberately wasted. Now, it is said, “ The Shadow of Lightning Ridge” is certain of a tremendous success especially after 6 p.m. Thirsty folk will go along just to smell the bush pubs scene.<ref>{{Citation |
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| |
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| title=Everyones |
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| publication-date=1920 |
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| publisher=Everyones Ltd |
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| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-536053965 |
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| accessdate=14 March 2019 |
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}} </ref></blockquote> |
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The ''Bulletin'' praised the photography but thought the story was too American.<ref>{{Citation |
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| |
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| title=The bulletin |
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| publication-date=1880 |
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| publisher=John Haynes and J.F. Archibald |
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| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-626908532 |
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| accessdate=14 March 2019 |
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}} </ref> |
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''Australian Worker'' said the film was "considerably better" than ''Man from Kangaroo''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146176930 |title="THE SHADOW OF LIGHTNING RIDGE." |newspaper=[[The Australian Worker]] |volume=29, |issue=11 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=11 March 1920 |accessdate=14 March 2019 |page=20 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref> |
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Meredyth and Lucas left for Sonoma on 11 February 1920.<ref>{{Citation |
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| |
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| title=The Lone hand |
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| publication-date=1907 |
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| publisher=W. McLeod] |
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| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-393171651 |
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| accessdate=14 March 2019 |
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}} </ref> |
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===US Release=== |
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The film was released in the US. One trade paper wrote that: |
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<blockquote>Good stunt stuff is introduced in the film, and there are a few genuine thrills such as the leap from a dashling horse on to a speeding train; a ki dnapping episode and a daring res cue. In connection with some ofthe stunts performed by Baker it would seem that either the director has been too hasty in an effort to get action or the fllm has not been carefully, cut. At any rate, things happen along just a little too quickly to follow comprehensively. This is "particularly noticeable in the instance where Baker rescues the girl."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243632442 |title=Footlights and Screen |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=14,295 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=7 January 1922 |accessdate=14 March 2019 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}} </ref></blockquote> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[List of lost films]] |
*[[List of lost films]] |
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Revision as of 10:25, 14 March 2019
| The Shadow of Lightning Ridge | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Wilfred Lucas |
| Written by | Bess Meredyth |
| Produced by | E.J. Carroll Snowy Baker |
| Starring | Snowy Baker Agnes Vernon |
| Cinematography | Robert Doerrer |
Production company | Carroll-Baker Australian Productions |
| Distributed by | Aywon Pictures (US) |
Release dates | 3 April 1920 (Australia) 13 September 1921 (US) |
Running time | 7 reels[1] |
| Country | Australia |
| Languages | Silent film English intertitles |
The Shadow of Lightning Ridge is a 1920 Australian silent film starring renowned Australian sportsman Snowy Baker.[2]
It is now considered a lost film.
Charles Chauvel had a small role as a groom.[3]
Synopsis
An Australian (Snowy Baker) sent to England for university education discovers that his mother has been victimised by a powerful squatter, Sir Edward Marriott (Wilfred Lucas). He returns to Australia and becomes a bushranger known as 'The Shadow', who only attacks Sir Edward's property.[4]
One day he rescues Sir Edward's fiancée, Dorothy (Agnes Vernon), from real bushrangers and falls in love with her. Later on he discovers he is the real heir to Sir Edward's property.[5]
Cast
- Snowy Baker as the Shadow
- Agnes Vernon as Dorothy Harden
- Bernice Vere as Portuguese Annie
- Wilfred Lucas as Sir Edward Marriott
- Evelyn Johnson[6]
Production
The script was clearly inspired by Zorro, which Bess Meredyth later adapted in The Mark of Zorro (1940). After reading the script and seeing the stunts he was required to perform, Baker reportedly went out and insured himself for £5,000.[7]
Bernice Vere was a discovery of Baker's.[8] She was signed to a 12 month contract.[9]
Shooting took place in early 1920 in the bush near Sydney, at Bulli Pass and Loddon Falls[10] and at a studio built by E.J. Carroll at Palmerston near Waverly.[11] A highlight of the film was Snowy Baker on horseback jumping 40 metres off a cliff.[12][13]
Reception
The film was a success at the Australian box office and was released in the US.[14][15]
Dan Carroll later said his company "was encouraged to consider making further pictures. It found, however, that small producers had entered the field, and, releasing pictures of a low duality, had made Australian films subjects for the ridicule of audiences. Lack of Australian stories suitable for dramatisation and the fact that oversea producers were releasing films more than sufficient for market needs had also forced him and his associates to abandon the production of films."[16]
The trade paper Everyone's said:
Baker as an elusive bushranger brings joy to the hearts of the Pussyfoots by entirely wrecking a bush pub. Snowy doesn’t do it on behalf of prohibition. He’s escaping from the Law and the big fight that ensues causes the damage. It was thought at first that the big scene could be done with empty bottles on the shelves, but so many were smashed that it was found that there was a sad lack of realism. So, to the horror of many actors, dozens of bottles of real whisky were deliberately wasted. Now, it is said, “ The Shadow of Lightning Ridge” is certain of a tremendous success especially after 6 p.m. Thirsty folk will go along just to smell the bush pubs scene.[17]
The Bulletin praised the photography but thought the story was too American.[18]
Australian Worker said the film was "considerably better" than Man from Kangaroo.[19]
Meredyth and Lucas left for Sonoma on 11 February 1920.[20]
US Release
The film was released in the US. One trade paper wrote that:
Good stunt stuff is introduced in the film, and there are a few genuine thrills such as the leap from a dashling horse on to a speeding train; a ki dnapping episode and a daring res cue. In connection with some ofthe stunts performed by Baker it would seem that either the director has been too hasty in an effort to get action or the fllm has not been carefully, cut. At any rate, things happen along just a little too quickly to follow comprehensively. This is "particularly noticeable in the instance where Baker rescues the girl."[21]
See also
References
- ^ ""SHADOW OF LIGHTNING RIDGE" AT WEST'S". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 1 October 1920. p. 8. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ^ The Lone hand, W. McLeod], 1907, retrieved 4 June 2018
{{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "TOPICS OF THE DAY". Newcastle Morning Herald And Miners' Advocate. No. 21, 972. New South Wales, Australia. 6 March 1947. p. 2. Retrieved 14 March 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ ""THE SHADOW OF LIGHTNING RIDGE"". Table Talk. No. 1810. Victoria, Australia. 1 April 1920. p. 7. Retrieved 14 March 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "WEST'S PICTURES." The Register (Adelaide) 28 Sep 1920: 6 accessed 18 December 2011
- ^ "NEW AUSTRALIAN-MADE FILM". Sunday Times. No. 1790. New South Wales, Australia. 16 May 1920. p. 5. Retrieved 14 March 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "AMUSEMENTS". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 30 September 1920. p. 9. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ^ The bulletin, John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 1880, retrieved 14 March 2019
{{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "[?] Baptist Association". Quorn Mercury. South Australia. 10 September 1920. p. 1. Retrieved 14 March 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Australian Geographical Society.; Australian National Publicity Association.; Australian National Travel Association. (1934), Walkabout, Australian National Travel Association, retrieved 14 March 2019
- ^ 'Palmerston Studio: Our pioneer silent film studio' Waverly Council
- ^ "AUSTRALIAN-MADE FILMS". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 25 September 1920. p. 10. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ^ "WEST'S PICTURES". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 28 September 1920. p. 6. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ^ "AUSTRALIAN FILMS". The West Australian. Perth: National Library of Australia. 23 November 1927. p. 18. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ^ Everyones, Everyones Ltd, 1920, retrieved 14 March 2019
{{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "AUSTRALIAN FILMS". The West Australian. Vol. XLIII, , no. 7, 939. Western Australia. 23 November 1927. p. 18. Retrieved 14 March 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - ^ Everyones, Everyones Ltd, 1920, retrieved 14 March 2019
{{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ The bulletin, John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 1880, retrieved 14 March 2019
{{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ ""THE SHADOW OF LIGHTNING RIDGE."". The Australian Worker. Vol. 29, , no. 11. New South Wales, Australia. 11 March 1920. p. 20. Retrieved 14 March 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - ^ The Lone hand, W. McLeod], 1907, retrieved 14 March 2019
{{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Footlights and Screen". The Herald. No. 14, 295. Victoria, Australia. 7 January 1922. p. 16. Retrieved 14 March 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
External links
- The Shadow of Lightning Ridge at IMDb
- The Shadow of Lightning Ridge at National Film and Sound Archive
- The Shadow of Lightning Ridge at SilentEra
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