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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1918 Vision of William Desmond Taylor
The thematic gravity of The Spirit of '17 (1918) is rooted in the historical context that William Desmond Taylor weaves into the cult fabric. Synthesizing the best elements of United States and international cinema, it highlights the importance of independent voices in United States.
In The Spirit of '17, William Desmond Taylor 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.
To fully appreciate The Spirit of '17, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1918. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and William Desmond Taylor was at the forefront of this cult movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Orchestral |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of William Desmond Taylor's style and the core cult narrative.
Davy Glidden (Jack Pickford) is the son of the adjutant general in charge of an old soldier's home in a small town near the Top Copper mine. Davy idolizes Capt. Jerico Norton, an aged veteran of the home who entertains the boy with stories of his exploits in the Civil War. When Mrs. Edward and her daughter Flora (Katherine McDonald) come to visit Mrs. Glidden, Davy is smitten by Flora but she ignores him. Davy is bursting with patriotism by the stories told to him by the captain and is eager of doing something noble to attract Flora's attention. He finds the opportunity to accomplish both goals when he overhears two German spies, Carl Bender and Frank Schmale, plotting to create havoc in the mine by calling a strike and then dynamiting the mine. Enlisting the aid of his friend Capt. Norton, Davy provides the means for the old soldiers to serve their country once again. After the aged warriors surround the Germans, Davy saves Flora and her father from death, thus accomplishing his ambitions and winning Flora's love.
Decades after its release, The Spirit of '17 remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying William Desmond Taylor's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.