Port Henry’s ‘Arctic City’ — Pearl White on the set

This is the latest in a series of posts about early 20th century film production in Port Henry, N.Y.

Her trademark blonde hair was actually a wig to cover up her natural black hair.

She started acting professionally at age six as “Little Eva” in a stage production of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and in her teenage years embarked on a high-profile career on stage and screen, in which she did her own stunts for many years.

“I have actually gotten to like fear,” said silent film star Pearl White, who for a time around 1914 and 1915, exceeded even Mary Pickford in box office draw, with films that included “The Perils of Pauline.”

On Feb. 16, 1920 White arrived in Port Henry for the filming of outdoor scenes for “The Tiger’s Club,” a William Fox Company production of a popular stage play in London.

“The picture rights were bought by Fox Co. especially for Mrs. White,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported.

Director Charles Giblyn made his directing debut with Fox.

A cast and crew of about twenty people was expected to be in Port Henry for about two weeks.

“Miss White had a delightful time while in Port Henry and left the village with the good wishes of all,” The Post-Star reported.

It was one of four movies filmed at the Port Henry “Arctic City” set in the winter of 1919 and 1920.

The others were “The Law of the Yukon,” “The North Wind’s Malice,” and “The Inner Voice.”

“Port Henry is growing in favor with moving picture producers as a place for filming winter scenes, and film making is becoming an important factor in business activities of the village,” the Sentinel reported.

Sources: Ticonderoga Sentinel, Feb. 12, 19, 1920; The Post-Star, Feb. 26, 1920; IMBd.com.

Click here to read the most recent previous post in the series.