Scarlet Days
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| Scarlet Days | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | D. W. Griffith |
| Written by | Stanner E. V. Taylor (original story, scenario) |
| Produced by | D. W. Griffith |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | G. W. Bitzer |
| Edited by | James Smith |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures/Artcraft |
Release date |
|
Running time | 7 reels (6,916 feet) |
| Country | U.S. |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
Scarlet Days is a 1919 American silent Western film produced and directed by D. W. Griffith and released through Paramount/Artcraft Pictures, Artcraft being an affiliate of Paramount. Richard Barthelmess stars in a role for which Griffith had screentested Rudolph Valentino.[1][2] In today's time, this film is considered by many to be one of Griffith's worst films though it might have worked better as a short film.[3] This film was unlike others created by D. W. Griffith. According to an article written for The Cincinnati Enquirer, written on November 16, 1919: "Unlike other recent Griffith production, Scarlet Days is a story of the old West, of the gold rush days of 49- Bret Harte transferred to the screen!"[4] The Western film genre was expanding at this time and Scarlet Days fits into this category. Western films were popular for this time.
Considered a lost film, a print was found in the State Film Archives of the Soviet Union, which donated it to the Museum of Modern Art in 1969.[5] The film was screened to the public, for the first time since its rediscovery, on March 24 and 25, 1969. Scarlet Days was shown alongside another missing film, A Romance of Happy Valley, at the Museum of Modern Art's auditorium with titles still printed in Russian. English titles were later created by the Department of Film at the Museum of Modern Art.[6]
Rosie Nell, a dance hall performer in early frontier California, is falsely accused of murdering a fellow entertainer. Her daughter, Lady Fair, unaware of her mother's occupation, is due to return from school in the East. Rosie Nell is granted a three-day reprieve to spend time with her daughter in a nearby cabin.
During this time, the dance hall manager, King Bagley, becomes infatuated with Lady Fair and attempts to take her by force. Rosie Nell and her daughter barricade themselves in the cabin. Alvarez, a notorious outlaw, aids in their defense. John Randolph, who is also in love with Lady Fair, joins their efforts.
Following several confrontations, the sheriff arrives in time to prevent further violence. His intervention ends the confrontation.[7]
Cast
- Richard Barthelmess as Alvarez
- Eugenie Besserer as Rosie Nell
- Carol Dempster as Lady Fair
- Clarine Seymour as Chiquita
- Ralph Graves as Randolph
- George Fawcett as the sheriff
- Walter Long as King Bagley
- Kate Bruce as aunt
- Rhea Haines as Spasm Sal
- Adolph Lestina as Randolph's friend
- Herbert Sutch as the second sheriff
- J. Wesley Warner as Alvarez's man
