Spirit of Columbus 1865–1915

The Spirit of Columbus '65–'15 is a lost film of the American silent film era, written and directed by itinerant filmmaker O. W. Lamb of the Paragon Feature Film Company. The melodrama was shot in Columbus, Georgia, in March 1915 and included flashback scenes depicting the Battle of Columbus also known as "Last Battle of the Civil War", fought in Columbus on April 16, 1865.[1] It is the first movie known to be shot in the city.

The Spirit of Columbus '65–'15
Columbus Daily Enquirer April 14, 1915
Directed byO. W. Lamb
Produced byO. W. Lamb
Written byO. W. Lamb
StarringRichard McNulty
Distributed byParagon Feature Film Company
Release date
  • 1915 (1915)
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent film
English intertitles

The story was similar to several other movies produced by Paragon around this time including The Lumberjack (1914), filmed in Wausau, Wisconsin and The Blissveldt Romance (1915) filmed in Grand Rapids, Michigan.[2]

The film was first shown during the Homecoming festivities of April 14–17, 1915, that coincided with the 50th anniversary of the battle. In all likelihood, it would have been seen by witnesses of the actual event. After touring the country,[3] the film was returned to Columbus where it was shown again in November 1916.[4] The Homecoming of 1916 appears to be the last time the film was shown in public.[5]

Plot

In the film, young Dorothy Watkins meets Richard Wentworth through an automobile accident. They meet again at the country club golf course. Richard calls on her at her home (represented by Dinglewood) and meets her family. The couple tours Columbus and sees the many things the community has to offer its residents including the Ralston Hotel, St. Elmo (the house of Augusta Evans Wilson), parks and factories. They also meet an aging soldier at the Confederate monument who tells them stories of the Civil War, including its last major military engagement, the Battle of Columbus. After meeting again at a dance, Richard asks for Dorothy’s hand in marriage but, her father refuses to give his blessing. The couple plans to elope by boating across the Chattahoochee River to the Alabama side. The boat overturns, sending the couple over the falls and presumably to their deaths. The couple survives and her father gives his blessing for their union. They marry at Trinity Episcopal Church and the film ends with the couple sailing off on the riverboat W.C. Bradley.[6]

Dinglewood, Dorothy's house
St. Elmo, one of the highlights of Columbus
The Confederate Monument, where the young lovers meet the old soldier

Cast
  • Richard Wentworth, cotton manufacturer – Robert McNulty
  • Dorothy Watkins, banker’s daughter – Mary Slade
  • John Watkins, Dorothy’s father – G. Gunby Jordan
  • Mrs. Watkins, Dorothy’s mother – Mrs. W. E. Estes
  • Colonel Charles Lamar (alternatively listed as S. W. Sheppard), Confederate soldier – Col. W. S. Sheppard
  • Minister – Rev. S. A. Wragg
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References
  1. "Battle Fought Over For Motion Pictures". Macon Telegraph. March 29, 1915. p. 2. OCLC 60621416.
  2. Bellware, Daniel (Spring 2016). "Movie Makers Come to Columbus". Muscogiana. Columbus, GA: Muscogee Genealogical Society. p. 2. ISSN 1042-3419. OCLC 19011643.
  3. "Columbus Movie Is Still Going The Rounds". Columbus Daily Enquirer. December 13, 1915. p. 6. OCLC 66413436.
  4. "Civic Pageant and Farmer's Congress Headliners Today: The Auto Parade Frozen Out". Columbus Daily Enquirer. November 16, 1916. p. 8. OCLC 66413436.
  5. Bellware, Daniel (Spring 2017). "Columbus Throws a Party". Muscogiana. 28: 45.
  6. "Columbus Picture To Be Shown Tomorrow". Columbus Ledger. April 11, 1915. p. 3. OCLC 8808667.
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