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Hills of Hate (1926 film)

From Alfawiki
Master Pictures
IndustryFilm production
Founded1926
Headquarters
Australia
Key people
Raymond Longford (director), E. V. Timms (screenwriter)
ProductsHills of Hate (1926 film)

Hills of Hate is a 1926 Australian silent film directed by Raymond Longford, adapted from the first novel by E. V. Timms, who also penned the screenplay. The film is currently classified as lost film.

Synopsis

The narrative centers on a decades-long rivalry between two rural families, the Blakes and the Ridgeways, originating when Sam Ridgeway wed the woman Jim Blake once loved. This enmity endures for over thirty years.

Jim Blake's son, also named Jim (Gordon Collingridge), returns after a decade away and develops feelings for Ellen Ridgeway (Dorothy Gordon), the daughter of his family’s adversary. The story further complicates due to the malicious overseer Cummins (Big Bill Wilson).

Cast

  • Dorothy Gordon as Ellen Ridgeway
  • Gordon Collingridge as Jim Blake
  • Big Bill Wilson as Black Joe Cummins
  • Clifford Toone as Jim Blake Sr.
  • Kathleen Wilson as Peggy Blake
  • Stanley Lonsdale as Stanley Ridgeway

Original novel

E. V. Timms’ debut novel, released in 1925, was written with support from his wife and described as "a robust Australian tale," despite lacking high literary aspirations.

Production

Master Pictures secured the film rights in January 1926 and commissioned Timms to adapt his book for the screen. This production followed two previous outdoor adventure titles, The Pioneers and Tall Timber. Director Raymond Longford later expressed dissatisfaction with the limited budget and casting choices made without consulting him, noting these factors restricted the film’s commercial reach.

The cast featured Dorothy Gordon alongside Gordon Collingridge, a popular leading man of the era. Kevin Gallagher, newly arrived from Ireland, was also part of the cast. Gordon brought six years of Hollywood experience and had contributed to art direction on For the Term of His Natural Life (1927). She subsequently pursued a career in radio commentary and journalism under the name Andrea.

Big Bill Wilson, once a professional boxer discovered at Sydney Stadium, had previously appeared in Tall Timber (1927). Longford revealed that external influences related to media connections affected casting decisions more than artistic merit.

Shooting

Filming commenced in late March 1926 near Avon, with the crew relocating to Gloucester, New South Wales for a six-week schedule. Weather interruptions caused delays, and juvenile actor William Thornton sustained an injury on set but recovered by May. Studio filming took place at Bondi starting late April and wrapped up by May. Raymond Longford’s son Victor served as associate producer during production.

Reception

The Northern Times commended Collingridge’s adept acting and Dorothy Gordon’s compelling performance. Everyones magazine praised the film’s striking cinematography and brisk pacing characteristic of Australian outback dramas.

Although screenings persisted until 1933, the movie did not achieve commercial success. It would be several years before Longford directed another feature, The Man They Could Not Hang (1934), marking his final directorial effort.

In July 1926, Australasian Pictures shifted its strategy toward more ambitious projects, announcing plans for an adaptation of For the Term of His Natural Life.

External links

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