The Damsel-in-Distress --- As said by journalist Dave Price, “Silent films supported the traditionalist view on gender roles. A character trope common at this point was the female damsel-in-distress lead”. A early example of this is apparent in the 1913 film by director Mack Sennett, "Barney Oldfield's Race for a Life". An action film that stars Sennett as the "bashful suiter"[1], Mabel Normand as the female love interest and Barney Oldfield himself as the title character (Barney was a famous race car driver). The film is an impressive showcase of high octan intensity capture through rapid camera movements, an uncommon practice at this point of cinema history. Mabel Normand, as stated earlier, plays the love interest but also the all important Damsel-In-Distress. This character archetype described in Literary Devices "At its core, the Damsel in Distress is a plot device where a vulnerable character, traditionally female, is threatened and needs rescue." The author continues that the Damsel-In-Distress isn't simply about someone being in trouble, but is just as importantly about their rescuers actions[3]. In Barney Oldfields's we see the change of our protagonists actions. He takes charge against the villain, and rescues his lover. While Mabel is shown as a fierce and capable person, she is of course still saved by our male lead and the hero Barney Oldfield.
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