Watch The Daughter of Dawn

The Daughter of Dawn is a 1920 silent film that tells the story of the Kiowa Indian tribe and their way of life in the American Southwest. The movie was produced and directed by Norbert A. Myles and stars White Parker, Esther LeBarre, and Hunting Horse. The movie was filmed on location in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma and features a cast comprised entirely of Native American actors, including members of the Kiowa and Comanche tribes. The film is considered to be a significant historical document as it provides a rare glimpse into the lives of Native Americans during the early 20th century.

The plot of the movie centers around the love story between the Kiowa chief's daughter, Daughter of Dawn (played by Esther LeBarre), and a young warrior from a rival tribe, Black Wolf (played by White Parker). The two tribes have been in a long-standing feud, but the two lovers are determined to find a way to bring peace between their people.

Throughout the movie, the audience is treated to stunning shots of the natural landscape, including the Wichita Mountains, which serve as the backdrop to many of the scenes. The movie also features several scenes of traditional Kiowa dances, including the Gourd Dance and the War Dance.

The film is unique not only for its all-Native American cast but for its authentic depiction of Kiowa life at the time. The costumes and props used in the movie were made by members of the Kiowa tribe, adding to the authenticity of the film.

The Daughter of Dawn was originally released in 1920 but was later lost for many years. In 2009, the movie was screened at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City after a copy was recovered from a private collection. The restoration of the film was a significant undertaking as the original print had deteriorated significantly. However, after years of work, the movie was restored to its original format, and audiences were once again able to experience this unique piece of cinema history.

Overall, The Daughter of Dawn is an important film that provides a rare glimpse into the lives and traditions of Native Americans in the early 20th century. The beautiful shots of the Southwest landscape, combined with the authentic portrayal of Kiowa life, make this movie a must-see for anyone interested in the history of American cinema.