Story of Jewel City

About This Movie

The Story of Jewel City is a charming little fantasy piece, created for the Panama Pacific Exposition back in 1915. It's fascinating to see how the two young leads, Dempsey and Lund, embody their roles—the Fairy of the Portals and the Little Soldier Fairy, respectively. There’s a certain whimsical quality to the storytelling and the practical effects used to create the portals and magic. The film has this ethereal atmosphere that feels like a window into a lost era of cinema. The pacing is gentle, allowing viewers to soak in the visuals and the simple narrative that unfolds. It's a relic of its time, showcasing early fantasy filmmaking in a unique way.

While The Story of Jewel City isn't widely circulated, its existence as a promotional film for the Panama Pacific Exposition makes it a collectible gem. The lack of a known director and the obscurity of the main actresses add to its allure for collectors. Interest tends to be more niche, focusing on early cinema enthusiasts and those drawn to the historical context of the 1915 exposition. It's not easy to come by, which can make any surviving prints or documentation particularly intriguing for serious collectors.