Initial release 1921 | Distributed by Aywon Pictures (US) Cinematography Robert Doerrer | |
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Produced by E.J. CarrollSnowy Baker Starring Snowy BakerAgnes Vernon Productioncompany Carroll-Baker Australian Productions Release date 3 April 1920 (Australia)13 September 1921 (US) Similar Trooper O'Brien, Captain Starlight - or Gentlema, Captain Midnight - the Bush, When the Kellys Rode, Robbery Under Arms | ||
The Shadow of Lightning Ridge is a 1920 Australian silent film starring renowned Australian sportsman Snowy Baker. It is now considered a lost film.
Contents
Synopsis
An Australian (Snowy Baker) sent to England for university education discovers that his mother has been victimised by a powerful squatter, Sir Edward Marriott (Wilfred Lucas). He returns to Australia and becomes a bushranger known as 'The Shadow', who only attacks Sir Edward's property. One day he rescues Sir Edward's fiancee, Dorothy (Agnes Vernon), from real bushrangers and falls in love with her. Later on he discovers he is the real heir to Sir Edward's property.
Cast
Production
The script was clearly inspired by Zorro, which Bess Meredyth later adapted in The Mark of Zorro (1940). After reading the script and seeing the stunts he was required to perform, Baker reportedly went out and insured himself for £5,000.
Shooting took place in early 1920 in the bush near Sydney and a studio built by E.J. Carroll at Palmerston near Waverly. A highlight of the film was Snowy Baker on horseback jumping 40 metres off a cliff.
Reception
The film was a success at the Australian box office and was released in the US.