User Reviews

A Selig film set in South Africa with Kathlyn Williams playing the daughter of a farmer who, having fallen for the charms of a visiting English gent, rashly storms off into the jungle when her father insists on her marrying their less-than-eligible neighbour. To be honest, given the lacklustre fashion in which Williams approaches her role, slobby neighbour Hans would seem to be a better fit for her than the spiffy Sir John. This one's quite entertaining, and includes some nice touches of humour.

"Lost in the Jungle," the last of the great series of Selig films produced last winter, in which wild animals have been used in the development of the story, and of which "Back to the Primitive" and "Captain Kate" have proved notable productions, will be released Monday. October 26. It is understood that the Selig Company will not discontinue the production of films of this type and that another series will be prepared during the approaching winter. Mr. Wm. N. Selig believes that "Lost in the Jungle" is the climax of the series. Miss Kathlyn Williams, who appears in the principal role, says that over eight weeks were required to train the elephant to perform his part, and that many hundreds of oranges, bananas and other tempting fruits were bestowed on the big animal before he was quite won over to play the role of deliverer. Nor must we forget the important assistance rendered by "Big Otto," the well-known animal trainer, during the weeks of persistent and patient rehearsal. Everyone who views the picture will feel like hugging the ponderous brute when he kneels and assists the helpless girl to catch his ears with her hands, in the meantime making a seat of his trunk on which she rests, as he ploughs his way through the thick undergrowth of the jungle. It is a thrilling rescue and fairly startles one by its novelty and realism. Another thrill is promised in the girl's encounter with a leopard. Shortly before this scene appears, we witness a fierce fight between two leopards and a wild hog. The latter coming out victor. This prepares us for the presence of leopards in the girl's vicinity, and when we see her crouch and listen intently, as she gazes into the depths of the forest, we are prepared for a life and death struggle. The large knife that she carries is gripped more firmly and, like a flash, a leopard rushes toward her and springs full upon her head. The next view taken by the camera shows the girl lying wounded and spent, while beside her lies the leopard turning over on his back in the death throes. In the making of this scene Miss Williams suffered such severe scalp wounds from the animal's claws that nine stitches were required to close them, and she was covered with blood to her waist. A leopard is very fond of wild chickens, and at the first rehearsal of the scene, before the man began to turn the handle, everything went well. The chicken was thrown slightly behind and to one side of Miss Williams, as the animal was loosed from his cage, so that he fairly caught sight of its fall. In the second trial the chicken was thrown directly behind Miss Williams, out of the camera's field; and although the leopard saw that the chicken had been thrown, he did not see it fall, and concluded that it was under Miss Williams. The courage shown by this lady, and her wonderful influence over wild animals, in the production of this film, are really remarkable. - The Moving Picture World, October 14, 1911

I was surprised and pleased to see "Lost in the Jungle" (1911 - Selig) on YouTube. The 16-minute film with Dutch subtitles has been preserved by EYE Film Institute Netherlands. The clarity is remarkable. Set in the Transvaal and directed by Otis Turner, "Lost in the Jungle" gives one an indication of the type of short that Selig was churning out in volume (over 160 in 1911 alone) It was a thrill to see William V. Mong in one of his early performances as Jan Kruga, the inconsiderate father of Kathlyn Williams (who was one of Selig's major stars at the time). Reportedly Williams was clawed by one of the leopards who appear, along with other animals from Selig's zoo (including Toodles the elephant). Charles Clary is also seen as the wealthy son of Frank Weed who wins Williams' heart. Although the plot is fairly predictable, the film represents a valued piece of film history. Thanks to EYE for saving this one.