The Call of the North (1914)

"The Call of the North" (1914) is a crucial early work that solidifies its place on a list of "Best Cecil B. DeMille Movies" for several reasons. While a silent film and relatively short, it showcases DeMille's emerging mastery of visual storytelling and his ability to craft compelling narratives even within the constraints of the era. The film's rugged Canadian wilderness setting, captured with surprising realism for the time, marks an early example of DeMille's penchant for grand scale and exotic locales. More importantly, it demonstrates his developing talent for creating morally complex characters and exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption – themes that would become hallmarks of his later, more elaborate productions. "The Call of the North" is not just a historical curiosity, but a tangible piece of evidence demonstrating the genesis of DeMille's directorial style. Beyond its historical significance, "The Call of the North" is a surprisingly engaging film in its own right. Dustin Farnum delivers a powerful performance as the Mountie facing difficult choices, and the plot, while melodramatic by modern standards, moves at a brisk pace. The film also provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural attitudes of the time, particularly regarding Indigenous peoples, even if those portrayals now appear problematic. By studying "The Call of the North," one can trace the evolution of DeMille's filmmaking techniques and his consistent pursuit of spectacle combined with emotionally charged storytelling, making it an essential inclusion when considering his best works.