Indigenous Cinema Series: The Daughter of Dawn

THE DAUGHTER OF DAWN is an 80-minute, feature silent film that was shot in May, June, and July of 1920 in the Wichita Mountains of southwest Oklahoma. The story, played by an all-Native American cast of 300 Kiowas and Comanches, includes a romantic rivalry, buffalo hunts, a battle, village scenes, dances, deceit, courage, hand-to-hand combat, and even a happy ending. The Native American actors, who in 1920 had been living on reservations for less than fifty years, brought with them their own tipis, horses, clothing, and material culture.

The film was directed by a young director, Norbert Myles and written by Richard E. Banks who had spent 25 years living with various tribes. It is fascinating that, by accident or design, the film’s plot hinges on story on a very similar to Quannah Parker’s real encounter with his first wife.

Restored by the Oklahoma Historical Society, Film Technology (35mm) and Modern Videofilm (2K), THE DAUGHTER OF DAWN proves to be a revelation. Subtly acted by the all-Native American cast, photographed beautifully, and directed without melodrama by Myles, this lost silent film stands with the best films of the period. Why it played only twice and was never officially released remains a mystery.

To accompany the restored film, composer David Yeagley wrote an original score that was performed by the Oklahoma City University Orchestra.

Funding for this project provided by: Lawton Community Foundation McMahon Foundation, National Film Preservation Foundation, Oklahoma City University and the Oklahoma Historical Society.