Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1923 Vision of Grover Jones
The artistic breakthrough represented by Speed King in 1923 highlights the philosophical inquiries that Grover Jones embeds within the narrative. Framed by the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the production, it leaves an indelible mark on the soul of the viewer.
In Speed King, Grover Jones 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.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of Grover Jones's style and the core Drama narrative.
Jimmy Martin, king of the motorcycle speedsters, visits the Kingdom of Mandavia for a race. There he is persuaded to impersonate the king by a traitor, Rodolph D'Henri, who intends to annex part of Mandavia for neighboring Selmarnia. The real king is in jail. D'Henri's plot is successful until Martin falls in love with Princess Margaret of Alvernia. Then he discloses his true identity, releases the real king, exposes the traitor, earns knighthood, and marries Margaret.
Decades after its release, Speed King remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Grover Jones's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.