The 24 Sep 1921 issue of Exhibitors Herald noted filmmakers' claims that the "most spectacular railroad wreck ever filmed" took place during production, on a railroad trestle in a mountainous area near the Salmon River in ID. The trestle, "used heavily only in the lumbering season," was weakened based on the advice of engineers. However, an "unexpected freshet" further weakened the structure, which set to collapse under the weight of an unmanned train. As originally planned, the train and two automobiles were supposed to crash into the stream below. However, the trestle gave way easier than expected, and six automobiles, in addition to the train, were sent into the water. A second, manned, locomotive was spared.
Although contemporary trade magazines refer to location filming on New York's Fifth Avenue and in or near Washington Square, no such scenes appear in the surviving print.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
