211 - The Last of the Mohicans (1936) & More
Digest
This podcast episode delves into Quentin Tarantino's surprising appreciation for the 1936 adaptation of *The Last of the Mohicans*, starring Randolph Scott. It begins with an introduction to the film and its producer, Edward Small, before providing a detailed history of Small and his company, Reliance Pictures, and their approach to adapting classic literature into successful, cost-effective films. The episode then offers a plot summary and analysis of the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans*, highlighting Tarantino's fascination with its action, visuals, characters (especially Magua's complexity and the romantic subplot), and storytelling. Tarantino's obsession with the film is further explored, focusing on the revenge themes and romantic elements that resonate with him. The podcast concludes with a Patreon announcement and further discussion comparing the 1936 version to other adaptations, including Michael Mann's and an Italian cartoon series, emphasizing the enduring appeal of Cooper's story and its influence on cinema.
Outlines
Edward Small, Reliance Pictures, and the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans*
An introduction to Quentin Tarantino's unexpected appreciation for the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans*, followed by a detailed look at producer Edward Small, his company Reliance Pictures, and their cost-effective strategies for adapting classic literature into successful films, focusing on their approach to *The Last of the Mohicans*.
*The Last of the Mohicans* (1936): Plot, Analysis, and Tarantino's Fascination
A detailed plot summary and analysis of the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans*, emphasizing its action, visuals, character dynamics (particularly Magua and the romantic subplot), and storytelling, alongside Tarantino's reasons for his deep appreciation for the film.
Comparing Adaptations and the Enduring Appeal of *The Last of the Mohicans*
A comparison of the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans* with other adaptations, including Michael Mann's version and an Italian cartoon series. Discussion of the enduring appeal of the story and its influence on other films, along with a Patreon announcement.
Keywords
Randolph Scott
American actor known for his role as Hawkeye in the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans*.
Edward Small
Prolific film producer known for adapting classic literature into successful, cost-effective films.
*The Last of the Mohicans* (1936)
A 1936 film adaptation praised for its action, visuals, and character dynamics.
Reliance Pictures
Edward Small's production company known for its successful adaptations of classic literature.
French and Indian War
The historical backdrop for *The Last of the Mohicans*, shaping the narrative's themes of conflict and survival.
Quentin Tarantino
Film director whose unexpected appreciation for the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans* is the focus of the podcast.
A-Titles vs. B-Titles
A film industry classification system; Edward Small's success in creating cost-effective A-Titles is discussed.
Magua
A complex and compelling character in the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans*.
Q&A
What aspects of the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans* make it so compelling to Quentin Tarantino?
Tarantino appreciates the compelling characters, particularly Magua's motivations and the romantic subplot. The film's action sequences and visual storytelling, achieved despite budget constraints, also contribute to its appeal.
How did Edward Small's production strategies contribute to his success?
Small adapted well-known literary properties into exciting films, focusing on creating cost-effective A-Titles and utilizing favorable distribution deals.
How does the 1936 *Last of the Mohicans* compare to other adaptations?
The 1936 version stands out for its action sequences, visual style, and character interpretations, differing from other versions in character portrayals and plot emphasis.
What is the significance of the French and Indian War in *The Last of the Mohicans*?
The French and Indian War provides a rich historical context for the film's themes of conflict, survival, and cultural clashes.
Show Notes
On this episode of the Video Archives Podcast Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary uncover Quentin's latest obsession: 1936's The Last of the Mohicans. In this classic tale written by James Fenimore Cooper, two sisters and a British commander are abducted by the Hurons and can only be rescued by the last of the Mohicans. What ensues is a romantic tale of epic proportions set in the midst of the French and Indian War. After giving a brief history lesson on director George B. Seitz, Quentin and Roger discuss exactly what has drawn them to this title, the different iterations they've watched, and how Randolph Scott may have won Quentin over.
Then, over on Patreon — we continue the conversation with another film adapted from a classic book: Northwest Passage. Two friends join Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War. Quentin and Roger talk about the history of this film along with the intense brutality of some of the fight sequences. Then, we're back with director George B. Seitz — but this time, in the Wild West with Kit Carson. Quentin and Roger discuss the action sequences, what it was like viewing this on 16mm, and the delicate balance of the love triangle in this film.
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