Reel American HistoryHistory on trial Main Page

AboutFilmsFor StudentsFor TeachersBibliographyResources

Films >> Last of the Mohicans, The (1920) >>

Reid, Lawrence. "The Last of The Mohicans." Motion Picture News 4 Dec. 1920 (no page).
This portrayal of The Last of the Mohicans earns tribute for Maurice Tourner. It is seen as “his greatest achievement -- a picture which will be talked about as a masterpiece of its kind.” Tourner humanizes the characters to make them more tangible to the audience. He is an excellent photographer and provides a picturesque setting that draws in the audience. Tourner set his backgrounds against marvelous settings. His use of setting makes many moments of the film breathtaking. The massacre at Fort William Henry is shown with stark realism. Tourner shows considerable knowledge of Indian custom, including dress, as seen in costume choice. The acting is considered close to perfection. Overall, Reid sees this film as a masterpiece of his time.
Weitzel, Edward. "Cooper's 'The Last of the Mohicans' Finely Filmed by Maurice Tourner." Moving Picture World 4 Dec. 1920: 589.
Applauds Tourner’s efforts in his reproduction of a great American classic. The film has the ability to restore public interest in the novel, portraying scenes with such grandeur that the audience cannot help but to fall in love with Last of the Mohicans. Tourneur uses the most beautiful landscapes in the film to allow the viewer to gain a real sense of atmosphere. There are large movements of troops and Indians that require much coordination and effort. As for the cast, it is not a star’s play. The cast is made of unknowns. Weitzel applauds Wallace Beery for his “forceful impersonation of the savage villain, Magua.” Barbara Bedford’s lack of experience hurts her performance as Cora Munro, but her earnestness and personal charm provide a slight remedy for what she lacks.

See Also

Cooper on Film http://external.oneonta.edu/cooper/drama/film.html