America (1924)
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This epic tale about the American Revolution broke the bank for filmmaker D.W. Griffith. Robert W. Chambers loosely adapted his novel, The Reckoning, which focuses on the battles in New York state. Griffith however, found it necessary to add a romance, so Chambers obligingly added one for him. Captain Walter Butler (Lionel Barrymore), a supporter of the king, goads the Iroquois Indians into attacking settlers who are loyal to the Revolution. Nathan Holden (Neil Hamilton) is a dispatch rider for the Boston Committee on Public Safety, and a patriot. While on a mission in Virginia he meets Nancy (Carol Dempster), the daughter of Justice Montague, a Tory (Erville Alderson). The Montagues are on hand in Lexington for the ride of Paul Revere (Harry O'Neill)--one of the highlights of the film. Nancy's brother, Charles (Charles Mack) sides with the rebels and dies during the fighting at Bunker Hill. Nancy and her father go to visit relatives in the Mohawk Valley; Holden meanwhile is with Washington (Arthur Dewey) at Valley Forge. He is sent North with Morgan's raiders to quell the Indian uprising and discovers that Montague has naively betrothed Nancy to the evil Captain Butler. When Montague finds out that Butler is responsible for the massacres it is too late. Holden overhears Butler's plan for another attack and he goes to sound the alarm, even though he must leave Nancy in the lustful clutches of Butler. But the Indians insist on attacking immediately, saving Nancy from Butler's grasp. Morgan's raiders come to the rescue, killing Butler and halting the massacre. Montague finally realizes Holden's worth and approves of a match between him and Nancy. This picture cost nearly a million dollars, got mixed reviews, and did not make its money back. Griffith made one more picture--Isn't Life Wonderful--as an independent. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- Neil Hamilton - Nathan Holden
- Carol Dempster - Miss Nancy Montague
- Lionel Barrymore - Capt. Walter Butler
- John Dunton - John Hancock
- Frank Walsh - Thomas Jefferson
- Louis Wolheim - Capt. Hare
- Downing Clarke - Lord Chamberlain
- Charles Emmett Mack - Charles Philip Edward Montague
- Riley Hatch - Chief of Mohawks, Joseph Brant
- Frank McGlynn, Sr. - Patrick Henry
- Emil Hoch - Lord North
- Arthur Donaldson - George III
- Erville Alderson - Justice Montague
- Arthur Dewey - George Washington
- Lee Beggs - Samuel Adams
- Charles Bennett - William Pitt
- Harry O'Neill - Paul Revere
- Michael Donovan - Maj. Gen Warren
- W.W. Jones - Gen. Gage
- Harry Semels - Hickatoo, Chief of Senecas
- Ed Roseman - Capt. Montoue
- Lucille La Verne - Refugee Mother
- Sydney Deane - Sir Ashley Montague
- Paul Doucet - Marquis de Lafayette
- Director(s):
- D.W. Griffith
- Producer(s):
- D.W. Griffith
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