Marceline Day in a beautiful portrait for "The Splendid Road"
Directed by Frank Lloyd
Produced by Frank Lloyd
Written by J.G. Hawks (scenario)
Based on "The Splendid Road" by Vingie E. Roe
Starring Anna Q. Nilsson, Robert Frazer, Lionel Barrymore, Gladys Brockwell, Pauline Garon, Marceline Day, Snitz Edwards
Cinematography Norbert F. Brodine
Distributed by Frank Lloyd Productions
Release date December 6, 1925 (United States)
Running time 80 min.
Country United States
Language Silent, English intertitles
We have included this film in our program to illustrate the work and contributions of our star Marceline Day.
"The Splendid Road", made by the renowned director Frank Lloyd, is a stirring historical drama, which has earned the praise of the critics both for the film itself and for the performances of the stars, including Marceline Day in her first dramatic role.
Silent Era lists this film as "survival status: unknown". It is not available for viewing, so we have to rely on newspaper articles from the 1920ies. If you have any information about a surviving copy of the film please let us know.
Here are just a few of the reviews for this film:
"The Splendid Road", latest of the Frank Lloyd First National releases, which will be open at the York on Saturday, has its hilarious moments and its moments of suspense and thrill - and also its moments of sorrow and despair. With Anna Q. Nilsson, Lionel Barrymore, Robert Frazer, Gladys Rockwell, and Pauline Garon featured in a romance of the California gold rush days of '49, the matter of entertainment is something to be taken for granted. Miss Nilsson as Sandra has probably never been seen in a more dominant character role. Robert Frazer as Halliday is perfect. Lionel Barrymore as Dan Clehollis gives a sterling performance in a part which might easily be unsympathetic.
All down the line In the supporting cast one can list
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES.
Edward Earle as Dr. Bidwell is excellent, as is Edward Davis as the banker. Pauline Garon plays a jealous dance hall girl with considerable fire, and Gladys Brockwell puts her heart into the character of Satan's sister. Marceline Day contributes a splendid dramatic spark. A brilliant future seems destined for her. (Mirror)
"The Splendid Road" is a glorious drama of a woman's battle against the man's odds with the California gold rush as a background of sweeping action. (Photoplay Magazine)
Good dramatic action and strong romantic appeal in story of the Gold rush days. Quaint atmosphere, realistic and interesting.The story is adapted from Vingie E. Roe's novel. The California gold rush is the background for this highly dramatic romance of the days when the lure of gold sent thousands of pioneers into the west. (Film Daily)
With a picture that carries the full sweep of his genius, Frank Lloyd has answered the demand for a successor to "Winds of Chance".
It isn't the drama of men but of women who followed the golden trail. One was a daughter of wealth, one was a dance-hall girl, and one dressed as a man and gambled like men. Anna Q. Nilsson, Lionel Barrymore, Robert Frazer, supported by Edward Earle, Gladys Brockwell, Pauline Garon, Marceline Day, Russell Simpson and George Bancroft. Never before was there such a cast of stars.
Spectacular, thrilling in action, beautiful in romance, keen in humor, "The Splendid Road" has still a greater magnetism. It has caught that spirit which makes for phenomenal success. (Film Daily).
"Marceline Day is living up to the promise of becoming one of the leading luminaries of the screen". (Movie Monthly)
"Pretty Marceline Day looms large in her dainty way." (Screenland)
"No less an authority than Frank Lloyd has declared Marceline Day to be one of the real discoveries of 1925; she has a prominent role in Mr. Lloyd's new picture, The Splendid Road, and word comes to us that she creates an outstanding achievement". (Movie Monthly)
Click to enlarge:
Marceline Day and Robert Frazer