The Perils of Jephthahâs Daughter: Biblical Films as Social Problem-Solving Operations
In: Biblical InterpretationSearch for other papers by Robert A. Kranz in
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Abstract
Between 1909 and 1913, four major studios released films retelling the story of Jephthah and his daughter in Judges 11. All four films depict the biblical tale as a melodramaâa classic genre in film studies. This article argues that, despite sharing a common genre, these films exhibit distinct ideological perspectives. Focusing on the first and last filmsâVitagraphâs Jephthahâs Daughter: A Biblical Tragedy (1909) and Warner Featuresâ Jephthahâs Daughter (1913)âthis article employs genre analysis to show how both films utilize melodramatic conventions to address the plight of women under patriarchal structures. While Vitagraphâs film sanctifies the daughterâs obedience and sacrifice, Warnerâs version problematizes her fate, offering a critique of patriarchy. By situating these films within the reception history of Judges 11, the article highlights their cultural significance as âsocial problem-solving operationsâ that negotiated early twentieth-century anxieties over the shifting roles of women.
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The Perils of Jephthahâs Daughter: Biblical Films as Social Problem-Solving Operations
In: Biblical InterpretationSearch for other papers by Robert A. Kranz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Between 1909 and 1913, four major studios released films retelling the story of Jephthah and his daughter in Judges 11. All four films depict the biblical tale as a melodramaâa classic genre in film studies. This article argues that, despite sharing a common genre, these films exhibit distinct ideological perspectives. Focusing on the first and last filmsâVitagraphâs Jephthahâs Daughter: A Biblical Tragedy (1909) and Warner Featuresâ Jephthahâs Daughter (1913)âthis article employs genre analysis to show how both films utilize melodramatic conventions to address the plight of women under patriarchal structures. While Vitagraphâs film sanctifies the daughterâs obedience and sacrifice, Warnerâs version problematizes her fate, offering a critique of patriarchy. By situating these films within the reception history of Judges 11, the article highlights their cultural significance as âsocial problem-solving operationsâ that negotiated early twentieth-century anxieties over the shifting roles of women.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 147 | 148 | 13 |
| Full Text Views | 19 | 19 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 57 | 57 | 2 |
