Soul of the Beast | 1923 | Drama

Title: Soul of the Beast | 1923 | Drama Director: John Griffith Wray Studio: Thomas H. Ince Corporation Starring: Madge Bellamy, Cullen Landis, Noah Beery, Vola Vale, Bert Sprotte Based on: Original story by C. Gardner Sullivan Release Date: May 7 1923 Runtime: Approximately 65 minutes Format: Silent black and white Country: United States Language: Silent with English intertitles Genres: Drama --- Chapters: 00:00:00 Ruth Lorrimore trapped in circus life 00:10:00 Escape with Oscar the elephant 00:20:00 Journey into the Canadian woods 00:30:00 Meeting Paul Nadeau 00:40:00 Conflict with Caesar Durand 00:50:00 Rescue and resolution --- Summary: Soul of the Beast is a 1923 American silent drama about Ruth Lorrimore, a young circus performer oppressed by her cruel stepfather, the ringmaster of the show. When a freak incident allows her to flee the circus with her beloved elephant Oscar, she ventures into the Canadian wilderness. There she meets Paul Nadeau, a violinist with a physical disability, and confronts local antagonist Caesar Durand, leading to dramatic struggles and a romance that unfolds amid peril and camaraderie. --- Background: Directed by John Griffith Wray for the Thomas H. Ince Corporation and distributed by Metro Pictures, Soul of the Beast combines elements of melodrama and adventure. The film was produced in the early 1920s and features rugged outdoor sequences and a narrative centered on personal courage and loyalty. --- Trivia: Oscar the elephant plays a central role and is credited in promotional materials. A print of the film survives in archive collections and has been released on DVD. The storyline includes dramatic wilderness scenes and human–animal interactions unusual for the period. --- Public Domain / Rights: Original Release: May 7 1923 Original Studio / Distributor: Thomas H. Ince Corporation / Metro Pictures Copyright Status: Public Domain Renewal: Unknown --- Hashtags: #SoulOfTheBeast #1923Film #SilentFilm #MadgeBellamy #NoahBeery #ClassicCinema #PublicDomain