The Lonedale Operator

Starring: Blanche Sweet, Francis J. Grandon, Verner Clarges, Guy Hedlund, Jeanie Macpherson, W.C. Robinson
Directed by: D.W. Griffith (uncredited)
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Short, Drama, Romance
Length: 17 minutes
1911

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A telegraph operator must wire for help when two thieves attempt to steal the payroll money.

Review:

Tim: The Lonedale Operator is an interesting little film. It starts off fairly boring (although I suppose it's character development). A young woman is established as having a relationship with a train conductor. When her father falls ill, she takes over for him in the telegraph office. When a train arrives with the payroll, two thieves emerge and terrorize the woman to get the money. This all happens rather quickly, as this movie is a brisk 17 minutes (although longer than most movies at the time). I thought it was good movie. It was billed as the most thrilling movie ever made at the time (which probably wasn't true), but it is pretty intense for a picture of this time.

Although the movie started off slow for me, things really pick up when the thieves arrive. I was surprised at how much suspense director D.W. Griffith (in an uncredited role) creates. The use of colors to signify different things was much appreciated. The movie is incredibly tame by today's standards, but I can see how thrills might have been had in 1911.

Blanche Sweet is the star of the film, giving a good performance for a 15 year old girl still very early in her career. I wasn't blown away by her, but she is good in the part. It was hilarious to watch a scene that's happened hundreds of times since, but that was updated with the times. You actually get the following scene- a young girl has hidden in a room, as two thieves try to break in. As they pound on the door to gain entry, she quickly reaches out for help= via telegraph! I thought this was so cool because this is a scene that's been done hundreds of times after- usually the girl is making a telephone call, though. It was nice to see that while things change, they also stay the same.

For a thrilling film from the early 20th century, The Lonedale Operator isn't a bad film. It really shows the progress movies were making in America, and I liked the narrative structure of this one. It is much more recognizable as a movie. I'd definitely see this one.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: N/A



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: N/A