The Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1923 film)


The Trail of the Lonesome Pine is a 1923 American silent drama film directed by Charles Maigne. Based on the play and novel of the same name, the film starred Mary Miles Minter in her final film role. The Trail of the Lonesome Pine film is now considered lost. Three other adaptions exist, including earlier 1914 and 1916 silent versions as well as a 1936, an all color and sound film.

Cast

The Trail of the Lonesome Pine was the second film on which cinematographer James Wong Howe earned his reputation leading him to become one of the most sought cinematographer of the era. Listed as first camera, essentially, Howe was considered the director of photography. Specifically, Howe made Mary Miles Minter's blue eyes register on orthochromatic film with a filter. With the success evident in Howe's work, especially in lighting, "every blue-eyed actor and actress wanted him as their photographer."

Other adaptions

The novel was first adapted for the screen in 1914, and starred Dixie Compton. In 1916, a second adaptation, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, was released. The novel was adapted for the fourth time in 1936, and stars Sylvia Sidney and Fred MacMurray.