A Romance of the Redwoods (1917)

"A Romance of the Redwoods" (1917) firmly deserves a place among Cecil B. DeMille's best films, showcasing early hallmarks of his grand cinematic style and narrative flair. While lacking the overt spectacle of his later biblical epics, this picture masterfully blends romance and adventure against the breathtaking backdrop of the California redwood forests. Mary Pickford's charm as a resourceful and independent pioneer woman, Dolores, is captivating, and her performance helps elevate the story beyond a simple Western romance. The film's tight pacing, engaging plot twists involving mistaken identities and outlaw gangs, and particularly its visual artistry make it a standout, showcasing DeMille's growing mastery of capturing scenic beauty and injecting high stakes into a captivating storyline. Beyond Pickford's star power, "A Romance of the Redwoods" is important for demonstrating DeMille's evolving cinematic techniques and his ability to weave compelling character-driven narratives. The film features impressive location shooting for its time, allowing the grandeur of the redwoods to become a character in itself. The chase sequences and physical stunts, albeit simpler than his later work, are still effectively executed, adding to the film's excitement. More subtly, the movie anticipates themes that would become prevalent throughout DeMille's career: the celebration of American ingenuity and resilience, the exploration of social class, and the power of love to overcome adversity, cementing its status as a crucial work within his filmography.