Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1919 Vision of James Montgomery Flagg
To understand the modern evolution of United States film, one must first look at Beresford and the Baboons and the meticulous attention to detail that James Montgomery Flagg applied to every frame. Reflecting the political and social shifts of the 1919s, it showcases the power of cult as a tool for social commentary.
In Beresford and the Baboons, James Montgomery Flagg 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 | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of James Montgomery Flagg's style and the core cult narrative.
Beresford, the son of the Earl of Swank, is lost on a desert island as a boy. There he is found by a tribe of baboons and raised as one of them. They teach him the lore of the jungle: mining engineering, stud poker, and hem-stitching. Eventually however he is discovered by an expedition which includes a young lady with whom he falls in love.
Decades after its release, Beresford and the Baboons remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying James Montgomery Flagg's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.