In 1923 the Yale University Press commissioned films based on the fifty volumes in their “Chronicles of America” book series. Ultimately, only fifteen episodes were produced. This film from 1924 entitled “The Pilgrims”, traces the history of the Separatists of Scrooby, England, their escape to Amsterdam, and their eventual voyage on the Mayflower to the New World including the landing at Plymouth Rock (21:00). The film spans the years from 1608 to 1620 and tells some of the story of Capt. Miles Standish and the Native American known as Samoset. The hardships of the settlers are shown in a manner which, according to the subject guide, “reveals the simple faith of the Pilgrims and their devotion to the ideal of freedom of religious thought and expression.” The film was adapted by William Basil Courtney and directed by Edwin L. Hollywood.

The cast includes Robert Gaillard, Harry Simpson, John Hopkins, Morgan Thorpe, Bessie Remo, Anna Beecher, James Murray and Arthur Donaldson, among others.

Chronicles of America is the title of a fifty volume series of books on American history. Originally printed in 1918, the volumes were written by historians of the time about various aspects of American History. The series was edited by Allen Johnson and published by Yale University.In 1923, Yale decided to create a series of films based on the books. Fifteen films were ultimately produced.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com