Ramona

After seemingly 90 years of fans moaning, RAMONA was discovered in Gosfilmfond, restored by the Library of Congress, and last night playing of Turner Classic Movies. Based on Helen Hunt Jackson's 1884 novel, it was immensely popular for decades, with its shocking images of racism -- how the old hidalgos of California hated the Indians! Ramona is, of course, played by Dolores Del Rio. She falls in love with Indian Warner Baxter, and is disinherited. Nonetheless, they are happy and growing in prosperity, with a beautiful daughter.... and then, of course, comes the third act.

1928 had a great crop of Hollywood movies, unmatched since, because they stopped making them, and director Edwin Carewe has cinematographer Robert Kurrle shoot Miss Del Rioto show her journey, the lightning flashes of immense emotions crossing her strong features. It's also an early movie to show off Zion National Park.

The story may be a bit obvious and foreign to a modern audience. It's Anglos who are supposed to be racist, and Hispanics and Indians who are oppressed allies. In truth, no one ever thought he wound up top dog except through his (or her) own excellence. In a universal emotion that touches us for good or ill. Just like love and compassion.