The Silence of Dean Maitland (1914 film)
| The Silence of Dean Maitland | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Raymond Longford |
| Written by |
Raymond Longford Lewis Scott |
| Based on | the novel by Maxwell Gray |
| Starring | Harry Thomas Arthur Shirley |
| Cinematography | Tasman Higgins |
| Edited by | Tasman Higgins |
|
Production
company |
|
|
Release date
|
13 June 1914 |
|
Running time
|
3,800 feet |
| Country | Australia |
| Language |
Silent film English intertitles |
| Budget | ₤400 |
| Box office | £5,000 |
The Silence of Dean Maitland is a 1914 Australian silent film directed by Raymond Longford. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Maxwell Gray which was later filmed by Ken G. Hall in 1934. It is considered a lost film.
The Reverend Dean Maitland (Harry Thomas) falls for Alma Lee (Nellie Brooks) and impregnates her, despite being engaged to another woman. Alma's father attacks Maitland and Maitland accidentally kills him in the struggle. His best friend, Dr Henry Everard (Arthur Shirley) is convicted of the crime and sentenced to twenty years in gaol. When Everard is released he comes to Maitland's church. The Dean confesses his guilt publicly and collapses and dies.
The movie was based on a play adaptation of the novel which had last appeared in Sydney in the 1890s. Entirely set in England, it was shot on location in the grounds of Gladesville Mental Asylum in Sydney.
Harry Thomas, who played the leading role, was a noted elocutionist.Raymond Longford later alleged that "the Combine" refused to let him film in their Rushcutters Bay Studio.
The movie was reportedly one of the first to feature the close-up shot. However this is not true.
Colin Fraser secured the Palace Theatre in Sydney for the film's release. However the Combine threatened to cancel its supply of further films to the theatre, and other theatres, if they showed the film. Despite this the film was a considerable success at the box office. It also enjoyed a popular release in the UK.
The critic from the Sydney Morning Herald said that "the picture is well taken and the various roles are cleverly portrayed." The Daily News said "the photographic and histrionic qualities of the production are excellent, the producer having not only kept closely to the text of the novel, but carefully selected his artists with a view to preserving the facial characteristics of the dramatis personae." Other reviews were positive.
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