The Perils Of Pauline (1914)
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The Perils of Pauline (1914), a silent film episodic serial, is considered the most famous suspense serial in cinema history. Pearl White was the most famous star of the silent serials, known for their archetypal cliffhangers that left audiences wondering what would happen in the next chapter.
This well-known, multi-chaptered, much-celebrated, archetypal play was originally 20 episodes in length (but many have since been lost), and now only exists as nine chapters (rearranged). The daring, athletic and active female star performed some of the riskiest, hair-raising stunts in these films (stranded on the side of a cliff, in a runaway balloon, in a burning house, etc). Week after week, Pauline (Pearl White) evaded attempts on her life. She fought pirates, Indians, gypsies, rats, sharks, and her dastardly guardian.
There are numerous reports (some say they are myths or legends) about her most famous stunt - in which she was tied to railroad tracks and had to be rescued from a speeding, rapidly-approaching train; reportedly, the scene was filmed near New Hope, PA at a place now known as "Pauline's Trestle". Unfortunately, a copy of this episode has never been located.
