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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1918 Vision of George Fitzmaurice
The 1918 release of The Naulahka marked a significant moment for the stylistic boundaries pushed by George Fitzmaurice during the production. In the context of United States's rich cinematic history, it invites us to question our own perceptions of cult narratives.
In The Naulahka, George Fitzmaurice pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
The visual language of The Naulahka is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of George Fitzmaurice's style. By utilizing a 1918-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its cult themes.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Slow-Burn |
| Art Direction | Brutalist |
Visualizing the convergence of George Fitzmaurice's style and the core cult narrative.
Trying to win the Three C's railroad line for his home town of Topaz, Colorado, Nicholas "Nick" Tarvin journeys to India to secure the famed jewel known as the Naulahka, which he plans to present to Mrs. Mutrie, the railroad president's wife. Nick's fiancée, Kate Sheriff, having graduated from medical school, also goes to India, but her aim is to provide the Indians with modern medical care. The Naulahka is possessed by the Maharajah, whose second wife, a dancer named Sitahbai, hopes to have her son, rather than the real prince, named as the heir to the Maharajah's throne. Sitahbai plans to kill the young prince, the son of the Maharajah's first wife, but Nick repeatedly saves him. After Sitahbai's plot to kill Nick fails, Nick threatens to hold the dancer captive until daybreak unless she gives him the Naulahka. Sitahbai reluctantly consents, but Kate, knowing that the loss of the jewel will mean Sitahbai's death, convinces Nick to return it to her. Kate and Nick return to Colorado without the Naulahka to find that the railroad tracks have already been laid through Topaz.
Decades after its release, The Naulahka remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying George Fitzmaurice's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.