Days of the Early West (Champion)

100 years ago today, Champion Film co. released

Days of the Early West.

THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 8, no. 2 (14 January 1911): 64

 

Champion was one of a number of production companies operating out of Fort Lee, New Jersey 100 years ago. The folks at the Fort Lee film Commission have a nice little page detailing brief histories of these studios

The commission, a non-profit organization, whose members include noted film historian Richard Koszarski, works to raise money for the restoration of films and still photos among other things.

Below is a synopsis of the film in The Moving Picture World 8, no. 2. (14 January 1911): 91

Here is a thriller. The company going across the plains in quite the old way; the establishment of a settlement and the construction of a cabin; the Indian attack and the brave defense; the sending of a dog for aid, which arrives just in time to drive the Indians away before the burning cabin falls in upon the inmates. It is, no doubt, true that those who see this film will look upon a reasonably accurate reproduction of many things which actually occurred. Not once only, but many times. The story of more than one settlement is summed up in this film. The staging has been done with ability and understanding of the details which add much to the interest. In truth, the audience sees enacted upon the screen almost a tragedy. Only the faithful dog stands between the settlers and certain annihilation. The mechanical work has been well done. The entire picture is realistic and holds the interest closely to the end.