Tol'able David
Tol'able David

Movie spotlight

Tol'able David

1921
Movie
94 min
English

Young David Kinemon is a good-natured, easy-going lad in a mountain village. Circumstances force him to take his brother's place as mail carrier for the community, and this brings him into deadly contact with the vicious Hatburn brothers.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Director: Henry KingGenres: Drama, Western

Plot Summary

In the small, secluded village of Yahweh, David, a young, orphaned boy, lives with his aunt and uncle, enduring their harsh treatment. He finds solace in his work as a telegraph messenger and in his friendship with a kind young woman, Esther. When a series of thefts and escalating violence plague the community, David is drawn into a conflict that forces him to confront the dark side of human nature and find his own courage.

Critical Reception

Tol'able David was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Praised for its authentic portrayal of rural American life and its sensitive direction, the film was lauded for its performances, particularly that of Richard Barthelmess. It is considered a significant achievement in early American cinema, often cited for its emotional depth and visual storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Richard Barthelmess delivers a standout performance as the sensitive young protagonist.

  • The film is praised for its realistic depiction of a remote community and its social dynamics.

  • Henry King's direction is noted for its subtle emotional power and visual artistry.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings for this silent film are not readily available, contemporary critical reception indicates strong audience appreciation for its touching story and compelling performances.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for Henry King.

Fun Fact

Richard Barthelmess's performance was so acclaimed that he was nominated for the first-ever Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in this film, although he did not win.

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