Download Spitfire (1934) Colorized HD | Katharine Hepburn | Pre-Code Mountain Drama

A Backwoods Faith Healer’s Tumultuous Journey: Spitfire (1934) in Stunning Color

Step into the rugged world of Appalachian mountain life with “Spitfire,” a captivating pre-Code drama from 1934, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by John Cromwell, delivers a powerful blend of romance, faith, and social commentary as it follows the story of a fierce mountain girl accused of witchcraft. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse of Katharine Hepburn’s early career, this HD download brings a lesser-known but intriguing piece of cinematic history to your screen.

Spitfire Storyline: Faith, Love, and Suspicion in the Mountains

“Spitfire” follows the story of Trigger Hicks (Katharine Hepburn), a tough and fiery mountain girl with a gift for faith healing. Living a solitary life guided by her own interpretation of biblical teachings, Trigger finds herself at odds with her superstitious neighbors who suspect her of witchcraft.

The arrival of two engineers working on a local dam project, John Stafford (Robert Young) and George Fleetwood (Ralph Bellamy), brings new complications to Trigger’s life. As both men become intrigued by the unconventional mountain girl, Trigger’s world is thrown into turmoil. Her attempts to help others through faith healing are misunderstood, leading to increasing tension with the local community.

The film reaches a climax when Trigger, in an act of misguided kindness, takes an abused baby from its parents. Seeking help from the engineers, she finds herself caught between her own beliefs, the suspicions of her neighbors, and her growing feelings for the outsiders who have entered her world.

Stellar Cast

“Spitfire” features a talented cast led by Hollywood legend Katharine Hepburn:

• Katharine Hepburn as Trigger Hicks

• Robert Young as John Stafford

• Ralph Bellamy as George Fleetwood

• Martha Sleeper as Eleanor Stafford

• Louis Mason as Bill Grayson

• Sara Haden as Etta Dawson

• Virginia Howell as Granny Raines

• Sidney Toler as Jim Sawyer

• Will Geer as West Fry

Movie Genre

“Spitfire” is a pre-Code drama that blends elements of romance, social commentary, and exploration of faith. Its portrayal of a strong-willed, unconventional female protagonist and its examination of rural superstitions make it a fascinating example of 1930s American cinema.

Historical Context: Pre-Code Hollywood and the Great Depression

Released in 1934, “Spitfire” represents the tail end of Hollywood’s pre-Code era, a period before strict censorship guidelines were enforced. This allowed for more mature themes and complex characters, evident in the film’s portrayal of Trigger’s unorthodox spirituality and the engineers’ romantic entanglements.

The film also reflects the social and economic realities of the Great Depression. Set in an impoverished mountain community, it touches on themes of isolation, superstition, and the clash between traditional ways of life and modernization represented by the dam project.

Colorization Details

This colorized version of “Spitfire” has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the rugged mountain landscapes, period costumes, and Hepburn’s fiery performance.

The colorization enhances the visual contrast between the rustic mountain setting and the more polished world of the visiting engineers. It allows modern viewers to fully appreciate the film’s atmospheric cinematography and Hepburn’s commanding screen presence.

Technical Details

• Director: John Cromwell

• Screenplay: Jane Murfin, Lula Vollmer

• Based on: the play “Trigger” by Lula Vollmer

• Cinematography: Edward Cronjager

• Edited by: William Morgan

• Music by: Bernhard Kaun

• Production Company: RKO Radio Pictures

• Distributed by: RKO Radio Pictures

• Runtime: 87 minutes

Technical Specifications

• Download Format: MP4

• Resolution: HD (1080p)

• Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

Critical Reception and Legacy

“Spitfire” received mixed reviews upon its release and was not a commercial success. However, it has since gained appreciation as an interesting early showcase for Katharine Hepburn’s talents and as an example of pre-Code Hollywood’s willingness to explore complex themes and characters.

While not considered one of Hepburn’s classic roles, her portrayal of Trigger Hicks demonstrates her range as an actress and her ability to fully embody unconventional characters. The film’s exploration of faith, superstition, and the clash between tradition and modernity in rural America remains relevant and intriguing to modern viewers.

FAQs

• Q: Is “Spitfire” based on a true story?

  • A: No, it’s based on a play called “Trigger” by Lula Vollmer, but it reflects social issues of the time.

• Q: How does Katharine Hepburn’s performance in “Spitfire” compare to her other roles?

  • A: This role showcases Hepburn’s versatility, as it’s quite different from her more well-known sophisticated characters.

• Q: What makes “Spitfire” a pre-Code film?

  • A: Its frank treatment of themes like faith healing, superstition, and romantic entanglements, which would have been censored under later production codes.

• Q: How long is the movie?

  • A: The runtime is 87 minutes.

• Q: Does “Spitfire” feature any notable supporting actors?

  • A: Yes, it includes early performances by Robert Young and Ralph Bellamy, who both went on to have successful careers.

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