The Volunteer (1917)
A 1917 silent drama in which a young girl navigates wartime separation and Quaker discipline while her parents serve overseas.
The Volunteer - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Volunteer
- Release Year: 1917
- Directed by: Harley Knoles
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 50m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 24, 1917 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: World Film
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Volunteer - Plot
Madge Evans, World Film Corp. juvenile star, is sent to her Quaker grandparents, Timothy and Tabitha Mendenhall, when her father and mother go to serve in World War I. After bidding farewell to the World stars, Madge goes to her grandparent's home where she experiences stern discipline.
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The Volunteer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Harley Knoles
Main Cast
- Madge Evans
- Henry Hull
- Muriel Ostriche
- Victor Kennard
- Jack Drumier
- Kate Lester
- Charles W. Charles
- William A. Brady
- Kitty Gordon
- Ethel Clayton
The Volunteer - FAQs
What is The Volunteer (1917) about?
The Volunteer follows young Madge Evans, a child star of the World Film Corp., who is sent to live with her strict Quaker grandparents, Timothy and Tabitha Mendenhall, while her parents head off to serve in World War I. It's a quiet wartime drama about family, duty, and growing up under stern discipline.
Who directed The Volunteer in 1917?
The Volunteer was directed by Harley Knoles, who also makes a cameo appearance in the film. Knoles was an active director during the silent film era, working primarily with World Film Corp. in the late 1910s.
Who stars in The Volunteer (1917)?
The film centers on Madge Evans, a celebrated child actress of the era. The cast also includes Henry Hull, Muriel Ostriche, Victor Kennard, and Jack Drumier, with notable cameo appearances by Kitty Gordon, Ethel Clayton, and producer William A. Brady.
Where can you watch The Volunteer (1917)?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Volunteer on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a 1917 silent film, availability may be limited, but JustWatch is the best place to find any current options.
Is The Volunteer based on a true story?
The Volunteer is not directly based on a documented true story, though it draws on the very real backdrop of World War I. Interestingly, the film features Madge Evans playing a fictionalized version of herself, blurring the line between the real child star and her on-screen persona.
How long is The Volunteer (1917)?
The Volunteer runs approximately 50 minutes — quite short even by the standards of its era. Silent films of the 1910s were often produced in this compact format, making it an accessible watch for anyone curious about early American cinema.
What makes The Volunteer historically significant?
The Volunteer is a rare surviving artifact of World War I-era American cinema. It showcases the World Film Corp. studio system at work, features a remarkable array of cameo appearances by contemporary stars, and highlights the cultural role of child performers like Madge Evans in early Hollywood storytelling.
What are some films similar to The Volunteer?
If The Volunteer appeals to you, you might enjoy other intimate dramas centered on family and wartime sacrifice, such as Racing with the Moon (1984), A Patch of Blue (1965), or Kitty Foyle (1940). These films share a similar warmth and focus on personal resilience amid larger historical events.
More About The Volunteer
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