The Christian | |
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Directed by | |
Based on | The Christian by Hall Caine |
Starring | |
Production company | |
Release date |
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Running time | 3,500 feet [2] |
Country | Australia |
Languages |
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The Christian is a 1911 Australian silent film starring Roy Redgrave and Eugenie Duggan. It was the first film directed by Franklyn Barrett. The film was based on Hall Caine's play adapted from his novel The Christian which was published in 1897 and the first British novel to sell one million copies. It is considered a lost film.
Clergyman John Storm is doing mission work in the slums of London when he meets Glory, a girl from the country, who has been persuaded by Lord Robert Ure to seek a career on the stage. Storm tries to persuade Glory not to do it but she refuses. He then asks Lord Ure, which so infuriates him he sends someone to burn down Storm's mission hall. Storm is unconscious inside but he is rescued at the last minute. He goes to see Glory, determined to save her soul, by killing her if need be. But he comes to his senses and the two of them are married. [3]
The film is based on a popular play that had been recently been produced in Sydney by William Anderson in September 1911. [4] Roy Redgrave had played the role of John Storm in England for two years prior to coming to Australia. [5]
Indoor scenes were shot at Wonderland in Bondi, which was owned by Anderson. [6]
Shooting also appears to have taken place at West's studios, which were on top of their headquarters in Pitt Street, Sydney. [7] [8]
Roy Redgrave later claimed that he produced the picture:
I had a very strenuous time producing this picture, as I had also to play John Storm, the while I was telling the members who were acting in the scenes what to do. All the time I was doing this I thought that when The Christian was thrown upon the white screen John Storm would be mistaken for a ventriloquist. It turned out to the satisfaction of all concerned. [9]
Redgrave would revive the role on stage throughout the rest of his career.
There were other film versions of the play in 1914 (from Hollywood), 1915 (from England) and 1923 (from Hollywood).
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George Ellsworthy "Roy" Redgrave was an English stage and silent film actor. Redgrave is considered to be the first member of the Redgrave acting dynasty.
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Events from the year 1911 in Scotland.
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