| St. Elmo | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:St_Elmo_1914_film_poster.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by |
|
| Written by | William Jossey |
| Based on | St. Elmo by Augusta Jane Evans |
| Produced by | William Fox |
| Starring |
|
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Box Office Attractions Company |
Release date |
|
Running time | 6 reels |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
St. Elmo is a 1914 American silent drama film produced by the Balboa Amusement Producing Company and distributed by William Fox's Box Office Attractions Company. It was the first feature-length film adaptation of Augusta Jane Evans's 1866 novel of the same name. The story follows the life of the title character (played by William Jossey), who kills his cousin (Francis McDonald) over the love of Agnes (Madeline Pardee), falls from grace, and eventually finds redemption and love with Edna (Gypsy Abbott). It is disputed who directed the film; many sources credit Bertram Bracken, while others list St. Elmo as J. Gordon Edwards's directorial debut.
Some reviewers praised the scenery and overall production quality, considering the film an improvement over staged adaptations of the novel. Others found the scenery irrelevant and the story confusing. Despite mixed reviews, the film was financially successful, reportedly setting box office records. The following year, a film adaptation of an unrelated Evans novel, Beulah, was marketed as a sequel. As with most Balboa films, St. Elmo is now believed lost.