13592

6

4

Journal Article

English

Olmstead, Jacob W.

A Victim of the Mormons and The Danites : Images and Relics from Early Twentieth-Century Anti-Mormon Silent Films

Mormon Historical Studies

2004

5

1

2004

203-21

In 1911-12, a barrage of anti-Mormon films were produced and distributed in Europe and the United States. They included such films as 'A Victim of the Mormons,' 'The Mountain Meadows Massacre,' and 'The Danites.' Church leaders tried to stop the distribution of anti-Mormon films by appealing to the National Board of Censorship and other commercial and government agencies. This controversy enlightened Church leaders about the power of films for reaching and influencing large audiences. It also shows the Church's 'burgeoning sensitivity to its public image in the early twentieth century.' Particular attention is paid to 'A Victim of the Mormons' and 'The Danites' because of the actors involved, the length of these films, and their cinematography. An Appendix includes information about early anti-Mormon films and images of broadsides for these films.

http://mormonhistoricsites.org/mormon-historical-studies-spring-2004-vol-5-no-1/

Motion pictures, anti-Mormon
Anti-Mormonism, U.S., 20th century
Public image, U.S., 20th century

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Danish, But Not Lutheran : The Impact of Mormonism on Danish Cultural Identity, 1850-1920
Mormonism and Sexual Violence
Mormonism and Violence : The Battles of Zion
Restless Pilgrim : Andrew Jenson's Quest for Latter-day Saint History
The Routledge Handbook of Mormonism and Gender

A History of Latter-day Saint Screen Portrayals in the Anti-Mormon Film Era, 1905-1936
From Antagonism to Acceptance : Mormons and the Silver Screen
Mormonism and the Commercial Theatre
"Scandalous Film" : The Campaign to Suppress Anti-Mormon Motion Pictures, 1911-12