Comments about Wild Oranges (1924) (DVD):

The movie "Wild Oranges" begins with a startlingly realistic scene in which a woman is thrown from a two-horse carriage and is killed instantly, and climaxes with one of the most exhausting fight scenes ever filmed. However, the very end of the film concludes on one of the most buoyant and hopeful notes ever to experience.

In between these two opening and closing parts we watch an intense film revolving around a man's struggle to overcome his hesitancy to unite with a genuine heart-felt love, and a woman's struggle to overcome an overwhelming fear (of everything) that had begun from childhood.

There are only five characters total in this film, and it takes place upon a deserted islandish sort of refuge. You feel quite "far away" while watching this story.

King Vidor's direction of these characters and their ability to act out some rather sensitive expression is unexpectedly remarkable for a silent film. The pace never lulls for a moment, the confession of love is done very feelingly, and the hope the viewer has for the film's ending is more than satisfied.

This is by far one of the most inspiring and well-crafted movies I have ever seen, and would recommend it to whomever has a knowledge of the power that love has to make a way out of even the darkest situation.

As for the quality, it is very, very good, and as for the musical score it is even better and never interferes with the action. Certain scenes are tinted superbly to add to the mood.

A treasure of film-making, indeed.

Comments about Wild Oranges (1924) (DVD):

Although this is claimed as filmed in Florida, the original yacht used in much of the footage sails today in San Francisco, and has never left California in her 104 years.
It appears that a good part of the film was shot in the Sacramento delta region, and provides some very interesting views of that area at the time.

Comments about Wild Oranges (1924) (DVD):

Great plot/movie for its time. It still drives home the message today.

Too bad the film was not cleaned or utilized a wetgate during the transfer to digital.

Comments about Wild Oranges (1924) (DVD):

A lesser known King Vidor film nevertheless seems less dated and more satisfying than some of his more prestigious productions. A grieving New England widower fleeing guilt and remorse on the high seas finds renewed purpose in his love for the psychologically damaged granddaughter of reclusive southerner on the Georgia coast. But he must first decipher the awful secret that holds them in its grasp, and find a way do defeat the evil that imprisons them. Frank Mayo and Virginia Valli give good, restrained performances for 1924. Authentic atmosphere from location shooting on the southern coast.