The Legion of Death

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The Legion of Death
The Legion of Death (1918, lobby card 1).jpg
Lobby card
Directed by Tod Browning
Written by June Mathis
Starring Edith Storey
Philo McCullough
CinematographyHarry Leslie Keepers
Distributed by Metro Pictures
Release date
  • January 1918 (1918-01)
Running time
7 reels
CountryUnited States
Language Silent (English intertitles)

The Legion of Death is a 1918 American silent drama film directed by Tod Browning, and released by Metro Pictures Corporation. [1]

Contents

Lobby card The Legion of Death (1918, lobby card 2).jpg
Lobby card

Plot

As described in a film magazine, [2] determined to lay down her life if necessary for her country, Princess Marya (Storey) mobilizes an army of Russian peasant women and is stationed in one of the front line trenches. German forces are about to overrun her battery when American volunteers arrive, and the Germans are dispelled. With autocracy abolished in Russia, Marya consents to become the wife of American Captain Rodney Willard (McCullough).

Cast

Reception

Like many American films of the time, The Legion of Death was subject to cuts by city and state film censorship boards. For example, the Chicago Board of Censors initially issued a set of required cuts in early March 1918, [3] but the distributor requested a rehearing by the Board. On further review, the Board reduced the cuts to the following: in Reel 1, the slugging of a man, Reel 2, two struggle scenes between German officer and young woman, striking her mother on head, five scenes of officer leering at young woman, tearing gown from young woman's shoulders, all visions scenes of young woman after the intertitle "And when the raiders left", and, Reel 7, the struggle scene between Marya and Orlof where he opens her waist. [4]

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References

  1. Hans J. Wollstein (2011). "New York Times: The Legion of Death". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times . Baseline & All Movie Guide. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2008.
  2. "Reviews: The Legion of Death". Exhibitors Herald. New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company. 6 (14): 23. March 30, 1918.
  3. "Official Cut-Outs by the Chicago Board of Censors". Exhibitors Herald. 6 (12): 29. March 16, 1918.
  4. "Official Cut-Outs by the Chicago Board of Censors". Exhibitors Herald. 6 (14): 29. March 30, 1918.