Barbara Frietchie
Barbara Frietchie

Movie spotlight

Barbara Frietchie

1915
Movie
50 min
English

An old woman in Frederick, Maryland during the U.S. Civil War displays her American flag in defiance of the armies of Confederate general Thomas J. Jackson. Based on the folk tale that grew from the poem by John Greenleaf Whittier.

Insights

Director: J. Gordon EdwardsGenres: Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

Based on John Greenleaf Whittier's poem, this silent film tells the story of Barbara Frietchie, an elderly woman who defiantly displays the Union flag in Confederate-occupied Frederick, Maryland, during the Civil War. Her act of patriotism inspires the Union army and becomes a symbol of resistance against the Confederacy.

Critical Reception

As a silent film from 1915, contemporary critical reception is difficult to ascertain precisely through modern metrics. However, the film was produced by the Thanhouser Company, known for its quality productions, and was based on a widely beloved poem. It is generally considered a significant historical drama of its time, notable for its patriotic themes and early cinematic storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • A patriotic historical drama set during the American Civil War.

  • Notable for its adaptation of a famous poem and its portrayal of American heroism.

  • Represents an early example of historical filmmaking in the silent era.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews from 1915 is not available. However, the film's subject matter aligns with popular patriotic sentiments of the era.

Awards & Accolades

None notable for this early silent film.

Fun Fact

Florence La Badie, who played the titular role, was a prominent actress in early American cinema and sadly died in a car accident shortly after the film's release.

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