The Forgotten Frontier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Forgotten Frontier |
|
|---|---|
| Directed by | Marvin Breckinridge Patterson |
| Starring | Mary Breckinridge |
| Music by | silent |
| Cinematography | Marvin Breckinridge Patterson |
| Editing by | Marvin Breckinridge Patterson Judy Herbert (restored version) |
| Distributed by | Carousel Film & Video |
| Release date(s) | 1931 |
| Running time | 59 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Forgotten Frontier is a special documentary film from 1931. It tells the true story of brave nurses who rode horses through the mountains of eastern Kentucky. These nurses were part of the Frontier Nursing Service. They helped people living in remote areas of the Appalachian Mountains.
This film was directed by Mary Marvin Breckinridge. It also features her cousin, Mary Breckinridge. Mary Breckinridge was a nurse-midwife who started the Frontier Nursing Service. Many local people from Leslie County, Kentucky also appeared in the film. They even acted out their own real-life experiences.
Contents
About The Forgotten Frontier Film
The Forgotten Frontier shows what life was like for people in the mountains. It highlights the important work of the Frontier Nursing Service. These nurses brought medical care to families who lived far from doctors. They often traveled long distances on horseback.
The film is a documentary, meaning it shows real events and people. It gives us a look into history. It helps us understand the challenges people faced in the early 1930s.
How the Film Was Made
Filming The Forgotten Frontier was not easy. The director, Mary Marvin Breckinridge, used a special hand-cranked camera. This meant she had to turn a handle to make the film record.
The film was often shot in very difficult weather conditions. This included cold, snow, and rain. Despite these challenges, the filmmakers captured amazing scenes. Pictures taken during the film's creation are kept safe at the Library of Congress.
Later Updates to the Film
When the film was first released in 1931, it was a silent movie. This means it had no spoken words or music. In the 1990s, the Library of Congress added a soundtrack. This music helped bring the old film to life for new audiences.
Why This Film Is Important
In 1996, The Forgotten Frontier was chosen for the United States National Film Registry. This is a very special honor. Films selected for the Registry are considered "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." This means they are important parts of American history and art.
Parts of The Forgotten Frontier were also used in another documentary. This later film, called Frontier Nursing Service, was made in 1984. It continued to tell the story of these amazing nurses.
