The Shadow of Lightning Ridge
The Shadow of Lightning Ridge | |
---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Wilfred Lucas |
Produced by |
E.J. Carroll Snowy Baker |
Written by | Bess Meredyth |
Starring |
Snowy Baker Agnes Vernon |
Cinematography | Robert Doerrer |
Production company |
Carroll-Baker Australian Productions |
Distributed by | Aywon Pictures (US) |
Release dates |
3 April 1920 (Australia) 13 September 1921 (US) |
Running time | 7 reels[1] |
Country | Australia |
Language |
Silent film English intertitles |
The Shadow of Lightning Ridge is a 1920 Australian silent film starring renowned Australian sportsman Snowy Baker. It is now considered a lost film.
Synopsis
An Australian (Snowy Baker) sent to England for university education discovers that his mother has been victimised by a powerful squatter, Sir Edward Marriott (Wilfred Lucas). He returns to Australia and becomes a bushranger known as 'The Shadow', who only attacks Sir Edward's property. One day he rescues Sir Edward's fiancee, Dorothy (Agnes Vernon), from real bushrangers and falls in love with her. Later on he discovers he is the real heir to Sir Edward's property.[2]
Cast
- Snowy Baker as the Shadow
- Agnes Vernon as Dorothy Harden
- Bernice Vere as Portuguese Annie
- Wilfred Lucas as Sir Edward Marriott
Production
The script was clearly inspired by Zorro, which Bess Meredyth later adapted in The Mark of Zorro (1940). After reading the script and seeing the stunts he was required to perform, Baker reportedly went out and insured himself for £5,000.[3]
Shooting took place in early 1920 in the bush near Sydney and a studio built by E.J. Carroll at Palmerston near Waverly.[4] A highlight of the film was Snowy Baker on horseback jumping 40 metres off a cliff.[5][6]
Reception
The film was a success at the Australian box office and was released in the US.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ ""SHADOW OF LIGHTNING RIDGE" AT WEST'S.". The Register (Adelaide: National Library of Australia). 1 October 1920. p. 8. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ↑ "WEST'S PICTURES." The Register (Adelaide) 28 Sep 1920: 6 accessed 18 December 2011
- ↑ "AMUSEMENTS.". The Register (Adelaide: National Library of Australia). 30 September 1920. p. 9. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ↑ 'Palmerston Studio: Our pioneer silent film studio' Waverly Council
- ↑ "AUSTRLAIAN-MADE FILMS.". The Register (Adelaide: National Library of Australia). 25 September 1920. p. 10. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ↑ "WEST'S PICTURES.". The Register (Adelaide: National Library of Australia). 28 September 1920. p. 6. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ↑ "AUSTRALIAN FILMS.". The West Australian (Perth: National Library of Australia). 23 November 1927. p. 18. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
External links
- The Shadow of Lightning Ridge at the Internet Movie Database
- The Shadow of Lightning Ridge at National Film and Sound Archive
- The Shadow of Lightning Ridge at SilentEra