The Virginian, Owen Wister’s classic 1902 novel about the battle between Law and Might and the heart of one western schoolmarm, was adapted by Wister into a play in 1903, and by Cecil B. DeMille into a film in 1914. Wister wrote other westerns, but this one is considered his greatest, and is immortalized in the common phrase “smile when you say that!” I’ve added pictures of the pages from the original book below for those who are curious. It’s by no means the climax of the story (actually, it happens in Chapter 2, as part of our introduction to the hero), but gives a sense of Wister’s style – and that of The Virginian himself. As for the central struggle of the novel – Law and Order vs. Might Makes Right – we are all still agog to see who gets the girl. You can see the movie this Sunday, March 9th!
For a link to the livestream and recording, please subscribe ($5 ticket/$10 subscription with access to all of our films). This is what sustains our series of fascinating silent films with Dr. Carli’s wonderful improvised accompaniments and commentary. We will stream this film live on Sunday, 3/9/25 at 2 pm; after the livestream the recording will remain available at the same link.
And the famous scenario in which intent is registered by facial expression – and occasionally cold steel?
