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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1918 Vision of Richard Foster Baker
Under the meticulous guidance of Richard Foster Baker, Kidder and Ko became the cultural zeitgeist captured so perfectly by Richard Foster Baker in 1918. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to cult excellence, it remains a vital reference point for anyone studying the evolution of Richard Foster Baker.
In Kidder and Ko, Richard Foster Baker 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 | High-Contrast |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Richard Foster Baker's style and the core cult narrative.
New England codfish-packer Silas Kidder wants his son to succeed him in the business, but because young Cuthbert seems interested only in playing pool, his father turns him out. In Chicago, Cuthbert beats a gang of pool sharks at their own game, and in anger they steal all his money and knock him out cold. He is picked up by tin-can magnate James Knight and his pretty daughter Julie, who invite him to recuperate at their estate. As he is rummaging through the icebox at midnight, Cuthbert encounters and captures two burglars and is subsequently hailed as a hero by Knight. Next, Cuthbert, posing as an inventor, persuades Knight to finance the marketing of a "cutless" can invented by clerk Bill Atwell. Kidder's Keyless Kutless Kan becomes a success and the young man earns a fortune. After exposing a bogus count who has tried to woo Julie, Cuthbert wins her love and takes her home to meet his proud father.
Decades after its release, Kidder and Ko remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Richard Foster Baker's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.