The Americano
The Americano

Movie spotlight

The Americano

1916
Movie
54 min
English

Doug is an American mining engineer. Pres. Valdez of Paragonia wants him to reopen the country's mines. Doug is not interested ... until he sees the President's beautiful daughter, Juana. Valdez returns to Paragonia, but is deposed by Generals Sanchez and Garcia and locked in San Mateo Prison. The Americano arrives...

Insights

Director: D.W. Griffith (uncredited), Edward J. DwanGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

A young American inventor, eager to prove his patriotism, travels to Mexico during the revolution to deliver vital machine gun plans to the Mexican government. He becomes embroiled in the conflict, falling for a beautiful senorita and finding himself caught between warring factions. His journey tests his ideals as he witnesses the brutal realities of war.

Critical Reception

As an early silent film from the nascent American film industry, 'The Americano' is primarily of historical interest for its depiction of the Mexican Revolution and its star, Douglas Fairbanks. Contemporary reviews likely focused on its action sequences and Fairbanks's energetic performance, typical for the era's adventure films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Features an early, dynamic performance by Douglas Fairbanks.

  • A historical artifact offering a glimpse into early 20th-century American cinema and its engagement with contemporary events.

  • The film's narrative is straightforward, prioritizing action and adventure.

Google audience: Audience reviews are virtually non-existent for this film due to its age and lack of widespread availability. It is primarily appreciated by film historians and fans of silent cinema for its historical significance and Fairbanks's early work.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in San Antonio, Texas, which served as a stand-in for Mexico.

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