I saw 'Out Yonder' at Filmmuseum Vondelpark in April 2005; this is one more of the hundreds of films that were 'lost forever' only because nobody bothered looking for them properly.
Fortunately, 'Out Yonder' is an entertaining film, starring the beautiful Olive Thomas. Her character here (named Flotsam!) is allegedly a tomboy, but the filmmakers are wisely unwilling to compromise this actress's beautiful looks. She is less glamorous than usual here, wearing a plain shift instead of a frock, and she wears one of those cunning make-up jobs that's meant to look as if she isn't wearing make-up. She's also wearing some beautiful sausage curls, a darker and simpler version of Mary Pickford's famous hairstyle.
'Out Yonder' has a plot that reminded me of several other stories, including 'Captain January', 'Shore Acres', 'Thunder Rock' and the true story of Grace Darling. The lack of originality in the script is more than offset, however, by strong performances from the entire cast, as well as proficient pacing from director Ralph Ince.
Flotsam (Thomas) is the daughter and helper of crusty old lighthouse keeper Joe Clark (Edward Ellis, in fine form). The reason why Clark lives 'out yonder' is because he's a fugitive from justice: years ago, he killed a man under complicated circumstances. Clark's official assistant is Amos Bart, but Flotsam does much of the work of maintaining the lighthouse.
When a yacht capsizes near the lighthouse, Flotsam skilfully rescues its passenger, wealthy Mrs Elmer. One thing leads to another, and a romance develops between Flotsam and young scion Edward Elmer (what a name!).
SPOILERS COMING. In a very well-played scene between Ellis and Thomas, Clark reveals to his daughter that Edward Elmer's father was the man whom he killed years ago. He also tells Flotsam that she's actually a foundling, not really his daughter; therefore, the sin of the father casts no stain on her, and she has Clark's blessing to find happiness with Edward. However, Clark is lying: Flotsam *is* his daughter, and he has actually disavowed her so that his own crime won't stain her happiness.
Now it turns out that, in fact, it was Amos Bart who killed Mr Elmer, and he convinced Joe Clark that the death was Clark's fault. The two men battle in the lighthouse, knocking out the light and (once again!) endangering the Elmers' yacht, this time with both mother and son aboard. The doughty Flotsam snatches a torch and rows to the rescue. All ends happily.
'Out Yonder' has a plot right out of Victorian mellerdrammer, and I was not surprised to learn that this film was adapted from a stage play. The play must have been very creaky indeed. (And I wonder how they staged the nautical scenes.) But this film version is well-acted and impressively photographed, with some scenes that appear to have been shot day-for-night. 'Out Yonder' definitely transcends its moss-covered origins, and I'll rate this movie 8 out of 10.
Fortunately, 'Out Yonder' is an entertaining film, starring the beautiful Olive Thomas. Her character here (named Flotsam!) is allegedly a tomboy, but the filmmakers are wisely unwilling to compromise this actress's beautiful looks. She is less glamorous than usual here, wearing a plain shift instead of a frock, and she wears one of those cunning make-up jobs that's meant to look as if she isn't wearing make-up. She's also wearing some beautiful sausage curls, a darker and simpler version of Mary Pickford's famous hairstyle.
'Out Yonder' has a plot that reminded me of several other stories, including 'Captain January', 'Shore Acres', 'Thunder Rock' and the true story of Grace Darling. The lack of originality in the script is more than offset, however, by strong performances from the entire cast, as well as proficient pacing from director Ralph Ince.
Flotsam (Thomas) is the daughter and helper of crusty old lighthouse keeper Joe Clark (Edward Ellis, in fine form). The reason why Clark lives 'out yonder' is because he's a fugitive from justice: years ago, he killed a man under complicated circumstances. Clark's official assistant is Amos Bart, but Flotsam does much of the work of maintaining the lighthouse.
When a yacht capsizes near the lighthouse, Flotsam skilfully rescues its passenger, wealthy Mrs Elmer. One thing leads to another, and a romance develops between Flotsam and young scion Edward Elmer (what a name!).
SPOILERS COMING. In a very well-played scene between Ellis and Thomas, Clark reveals to his daughter that Edward Elmer's father was the man whom he killed years ago. He also tells Flotsam that she's actually a foundling, not really his daughter; therefore, the sin of the father casts no stain on her, and she has Clark's blessing to find happiness with Edward. However, Clark is lying: Flotsam *is* his daughter, and he has actually disavowed her so that his own crime won't stain her happiness.
Now it turns out that, in fact, it was Amos Bart who killed Mr Elmer, and he convinced Joe Clark that the death was Clark's fault. The two men battle in the lighthouse, knocking out the light and (once again!) endangering the Elmers' yacht, this time with both mother and son aboard. The doughty Flotsam snatches a torch and rows to the rescue. All ends happily.
'Out Yonder' has a plot right out of Victorian mellerdrammer, and I was not surprised to learn that this film was adapted from a stage play. The play must have been very creaky indeed. (And I wonder how they staged the nautical scenes.) But this film version is well-acted and impressively photographed, with some scenes that appear to have been shot day-for-night. 'Out Yonder' definitely transcends its moss-covered origins, and I'll rate this movie 8 out of 10.