Movie spotlight
A Mississippi Tragedy
Calhoun, a planter, lives with his son and daughter, James and Martha. He strongly objects to young Gordon, who has been paying court to Martha and who has the reputation of being a gambler. Calhoun forbids Gordon from entering the house. One day as Gordon is traveling up the river he sees Calhoun who is returning from the sale of his cotton crop and is counting his money on the deck. Meredith, an unscrupulous gambler, also notices Calhoun and determines to relieve him of his money.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the story of a young man from the North who falls in love with a Southern belle. Their romance is threatened by the lingering tensions and prejudices of the post-Civil War South. Ultimately, their love faces significant challenges due to societal expectations and the legacy of the war.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1913, specific critical reception is difficult to ascertain with modern metrics. However, films of this era often aimed to evoke strong emotional responses and explore social themes relevant to the time. Its subject matter likely resonated with contemporary audiences grappling with sectional divides.
What Reviewers Say
The film likely evoked pathos and melodrama characteristic of its time.
Explored themes of love and societal division in the post-Reconstruction South.
Notable for its early representation of Southern locales and characters.
Google audience: Due to the film's age and limited distribution, specific Google user reviews are not available. However, early cinema enthusiasts would have appreciated its dramatic narrative and thematic depth.
Fun Fact
Despite its title, 'A Mississippi Tragedy' was filmed primarily in Fort Lee, New Jersey, which was a major filmmaking hub at the time, rather than on location in Mississippi.
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