The story follows Samson South (portrayed by Dustin Farnum), a man who hails from a long line of mountaineers embroiled in a bitter family feud. Samson leaves the wilderness to pursue a better life in the city, where he seeks to distance himself from the violence and expectations of his family. However, when duty calls him back to the mountains, Samson is forced to confront the ongoing feud, his family’s expectations, and his own sense of honor.
Farnum’s portrayal of Samson is nuanced, capturing both the toughness of a man raised in harsh conditions and the inner struggle of someone seeking peace and self-betterment. His journey from the untamed wilderness to the complexities of urban life and back again is a powerful exploration of identity and the pull of one’s roots.
The Call of the Cumberlands is notable for its attention to the rugged beauty of the American wilderness. The film’s cinematography captures the vastness and untamed nature of the mountains, which serve as both a physical and emotional setting for the film’s central conflict. This harsh, unforgiving landscape mirrors the turbulent emotions and struggles of its characters.
Themes of tradition versus progress run throughout the film. Samson’s departure from the mountains represents a desire to escape the cycle of violence and the narrow expectations of mountain life, while his eventual return highlights the powerful pull of family loyalty and the difficulty of escaping one’s past. The contrast between the city and the mountains also emphasizes the clash between modernity and tradition, a common theme in early 20th-century American literature and film.
The film’s depiction of mountain life is both romanticized and harsh, showing the deep-rooted values of the mountain people alongside the violence and feuding that define their existence. The feuds, depicted as multi-generational conflicts, reflect the deep-seated loyalty and grudges that drive much of the film’s dramatic tension.
As an early feature, The Call of the Cumberlands showcases Frank Lloyd’s directorial skills, which would later earn him a place as one of Hollywood’s top filmmakers. His ability to balance character-driven drama with the expansive natural setting is impressive, especially given the technical limitations of the time. The film also features a strong performance by Winifred Kingston as Sally Spicer, Samson’s love interest, who embodies the moral and emotional heart of the story.
In conclusion, The Call of the Cumberlands (1916) is a fascinating exploration of family loyalty, personal identity, and the struggle between tradition and progress. Its dramatic portrayal of the Cumberland Mountains, combined with strong performances and a gripping narrative, make it a noteworthy entry in early American cinema.
