The Canadian

This largely forgotten Maugham adaptation proves to be an emotionally scaled down first version of THE WIND, minus the evil seducer and the dust storm. It is surprisingly accomplished.

Impoverished Easterner Palma finds herself shunted to family in the wheat belt and her fancy ways don't go down well, particularly with her relative's wife Fuller, familiar from her Von Strohiem movies and giving the film's most telling performance. To avoid further humiliation, our heroine marries farmer Meighan. He doesn't get what he expected and finds himself held off at rifle point when he tries to assert his rights as husband.

The ending is quite sunny and the film is no competitor for the Seastrom masterpiece but it is still rewarding.

You can see that this one is the work of someone used to doing lightweights but director Beaudinehe manages the shift of tone. He was someone who spent his life turning out routine entertainments generally with more professionalism than his competitors and, as with the Roddy McDowell KIDNAPPED decades later, he could rise to an opportunity.

The film survives in a good black and white copy and got effective presentation at the Pordenone Silent Movie Week.

Mona Palmer's aunt in London has died, leaving her penniless. She goes to live with her brother on his wheat farm in Alberta, but quarrels with his wife, Dale Fuller -- best remembered for her appearance in numerous von Stroheim films. In a snit she marries Thomas Meighan; this does not turn out well.

Somerset Maugham's play had been filmed nine years earlier as THE LAND OF PROMISE. This remake is very well handled by director William Beaudine who, at this stage, was a very competent director-for-hire. Cinematographer Alvin Wyckoff delights in filming the horizon of the Alberta prairie and offers Millais-like views of the farmers at their labors. In addition, Charles Winninger has a substantial role. The next year he would begin his two-year run on Broadway as Captain Andy in SHOWBOAT and spend the rest of his film and TV career as a starring character actor.

Although this movie is not a classic, it is a very competently handled film. For those who are looking for a good drama starring the always interesting Thomas Meighan and some top production values, this should fit the bill.