James Oliver Curwood

One of Owosso’s most famous residents was James Oliver Curwood (1878-1927), a prolific writer, filmmaker, and conservationist. His writing studio, Curwood Castle, was built in 1922 and overlooks the Shiawassee River. This historic building is in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

About James Oliver Curwood

James Oliver Curwood was born in Owosso, Michigan on June 12, 1878, the son of James Moran Curwood and Abigail (Griffen) Curwood. His father was a cobbler and operated a shop in Westown until Curwood was six years old.

When his business failed, the family moved to a farm in Erie County, Ohio. James' job on the farm was to pick up stones. Later, he remembered this time as helping to build character. It was also here that he began to write stories at the age of nine. When James was thirteen, the family returned to Owosso.

Curwood attended Owosso's Central High School until he was in the tenth grade. He was expelled at that time, possibly for enjoying the outdoors more than the classroom. However, in spite of never completing high school, he passed the entrance exam and enrolled in the University of Michigan's English department to study journalism in 1898. Two years later, he quit in order to become a reporter for the Detroit News-Tribune. Here, he was paid $8 per week to cover funerals; but six months later he was fired when he incorrectly reported a name in a story about a peeping Tom.

Curwood went on to work for a pharmaceutical manufacturer for $50 per month until 1902 when he was rehired by the Detroit News-Tribune for $18 per week. He continued there until 1907 when he left the assistant editor's position to devote more time to his writing.

Some of Curwood's first short stories were published while he was a teen, but he was not paid for these works. His first story to be sold was "Across the Range" for $5 to Gray Goose.  He was to have many more stories and more than 30 books published during his lifetime. River's End was the first book to sell more than 100,000 copies in its first edition. The critics considered his stories with right and wrong clearly defined to be melodramatic, but they were popular enough to be translated in foreign languages and made into movies. Curwood was to say, "Nature is my religion and my desire, my ambition, the great goal I wish to achieve, to take my readers with me into the heart of this nature."

In 1909, Curwood took his first trip into the Canadian Northwest. For the next 18 years, he would spend up to six months of each year in the wilderness, exploring, writing, and building log cabins. He wrote in the woods, under a tree in Owosso's Harmon-Partridge Park, in his log cabins (including one built along the Ausable River near Roscommon which was eventually built into a lodge), at home, and at his studio, which resembles a small castle.

Curwood had a replica of Norman chateau built along the banks of the Shiawassee River near his home in Owosso in 1922 and 1923. The exterior is made of yellow stucco containing fieldstones he chose himself; the roof is slate with copper trim. It does not contain any eating or sleeping areas. He used the great room to entertain guests, including movie producers, and the largest turret as his writing studio. Upon his death, it was willed to the City of Owosso. During World War II, Curwood Castle was used as a youth center; the Owosso Board of Education had its offices there until 1962; and since November 1970, it has been used as museum to house Curwood memorabilia.

In 1900, Curwood married Cora Leon Johnson. They had two children--Carlotta and Viola before they divorced eight years later. In September 1909, he married Ethel Greenwood and they had a son, James, Jr. Cora was given custody of their two daughters, although Carlotta lived in Owosso with her father.

Curwood was an avid hunter until about ten years before his death. While on a hunting trip in the Rockies, he saw a large bear he called Thor. He tried to shoot him three times in three weeks. One day as Thor approached him, he slipped and fell, breaking his gun. The bear reared up before walking away. Curwood turned from hunting for trophies to championing the cause of wild things.

His philosophy was to lead to his active campaigning for the preservation of Michigan's natural resources. He wanted to limit or even close hunting seasons, including the season for spikehorn deer. He was interested in stocking streams and game preserves, as well as reforestation. On January 1, 1927, he was appointed to the Michigan Conservation Commission. He was also instrumental in planning and building the Shiawassee Conservation Club. Unfortunately, after his death, most of the measures he had fought for were revoked.

Curwood had planned to live to be 100 by eating little meat, drinking no coffee, tea, or liquor, and exercising regularly. Instead, he died at the age of 49 on August 13, 1927 at his home. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Owosso.

Green Timber, which was published after his death, was completed by his secretary Dorothea A. Bryant. Originally, it was known as Whip-Poor-Will or A Poet--And a Sinner.

Curwood Bibliographies

1908 

The Courage of Captain Plum

1920

Back to God's Country

1920

The Valley of the Silent Men

1921

God's Country--The Trail to Happiness

1921

The Golden Snare

1921

The Flaming Forest

1922

The Country Beyond

1923

The Alaskan

1924

A Gentleman of Courage

1925

The Ancient Highway

1926

Swift Lightning

1926

The Black Hunter

1928

The Plains of Abraham

1929

The Crippled Lady of Peribonka

1930

Green Timber

1930

Son of the Forests 
(edited version of his autobiography)

1931

Falkner of the Inland Seas

1983

The Glory of the Living 
(Autobiography reprinted as written)

1908

The Wolf Hunters

1909 

The Great Lakes

1909

The Gold Hunters

1910

The Danger Trail

1911

The Honor of the Big Snows

1911

Philip Steele 
(Steele of the Royal Mounted)

1912

Flower of the North

1913

Isobel

1914

Kazan

1915

God's Country and the Woman

1916

The Hunted Woman

1916

The Grizzly King

1917

Baree, Son of Kazan

1918

The Courage of Marge O'Doone

1919

Nomads of the North

1919

The River's End

Titles You Can Find at SDL Owosso

Additional Titles

  • “Across the Range.” Gray Goose: 1893.
  • “American Hen.” Home Friend: April 1908.
  • “Americanization of Canada.” Outlook: July 2, 1913, pp.568-9.
  • “Ancient Highway.” Hearst’s Illustrated Magazine: October to May 1925.
  • “Auto-Tilting.” The Circle: 1907.
  • “Awakening.” 1912. (Probably never published.)
  • “Barre, Son of Kazan.” Red Book: March or October, 1917.
  • “Black Hunter.” Cosmopolitan: September 1925 to March 1926.
  • “Blood.” Cosmopolitan: 1907.
  • “Blue Flower.” Cavalier: 1912. (Also published as “Cavalier Under Ice” & “Little Mystery.”)
  • “Bobby McTab.” Story Teller: April 1918.
  • “Bookkeeper in the Woods & Plains.” 1909. (May have never been published.)
  • “British Columbia: Land of Promise.” Leslie’s: 1913. (May also have been published in the Detroit News.)
  • “British Columbia Towns & Cities.” 1913.
  • “Buffalo & Deluth: The Alpha & Omega of the Great Lakes.” Reader’s Putnam: September 1908.
  • “Building of the Ships.” The Reader: January 1908.
  • “Business Methods of the Canadian Government.” Bookkeeper: 1909.
  • “Canada’s Royal Mounted.” Underworld Magazine: February 1928.
  • “Captain Cupid & the Smuggler.” 1908.
  • “Captain Cupid & the Whooping Jane.” Leslie’s Magazine: 1908?
  • “Captain of the Renegades.” 1891. (Never published).
  • “Census in the Wilderness.” 1912. (Also published as “Taking a Strange Census.”)
  • “Cities Growth.” Chicago Tribune: February 23, 1913.
  • “The Code of Her People.”
  • “Country Beyond.” August 1923-March 1924.
  • “Courage of Marge O’Doone.” 1920?
  • “Crippled Lady of Peribonka.” Cosmopolitan: January 1927. (Also in Grit: October 6, 1929).
  • “Danger Trail.” Munsey’s: November 1909 to April 1910. (Alternative title: “Fight for Life”).
  • "Danger Trail". serialized in The Chicago Ledger, August 23, 30, September 6, 13, 20, & 27, 1919.
  • “Devil for a Wife.” 1920. (Probably never published).
  • “Diamond Cut Diamond.” (Cannot be verified as by J. O. Curwood.)
  • “Does it Pay to Run a City Like a Department Store?” Bookkeeper: 1909. (May never have been written.)
  • “Dollars & Sense.” Leslie’s Weekly: 1905?
  • “The Eleventh Commandment.” McCalls: May 1907.
  • “Fatal Note.”
  • “Feud.” Famous Stories: March 1926.
  • “Fight for Life.” Munsey’s: November 1909 to April 1910. (Library does not have chapters published in April 1910 volume).
  • “Fight for the Treasure.” 1909. (May be an alternative title for “The Gold Hunters.”)
  • “Firelock of the Range.” Unpublished, written as a boy.
  • “First People.” 1911. (Possibly published in Success: 1911; also known as “Valley of the Silent Men.”)
  • “Flaming Forest.” Good Housekeeping: November 1920-July 1921.
  • “Flea Flayers.” Collier’s: 1912. (May be original title of “Flint Skinners”).
  • “Flower of the North.” Short Stories: May 1916.
  • “Footprints.”
  • “For the Love of Women.” The Household Magazine: February 1918.
  • “Fort O’God.” Pearson’s: 1911?
  • “From Civilization to the Barren Lands.” Field and Stream: 1910.
  • “From Out of the Blizzard.” Redbook: date unknown.
  • “Game of Life.”
  • “Gentleman of Courage.” Cosmopolitan: August 1923 to March 1924.
  • “Girl and the Revolution.” 1914. (May never have been published.)
  • “Girl Beyond the Trail.” Everyweek Magazine: August 1916.
  • “Girl from Porcupine.” 1920-1921.
  • “God’s Country & the Woman.” Cassell’s: 1914. (Also in Red Book: June 1914 to July 1915; Household Magazine: 1918; Grit: January 12, 1930.)
  • “God’s Country, the Trail to Happiness.” Cosmopolitan: September to December 1920. (Also in Outdoor America: January to July 1923.)
  • “Gold Hunters.” Boys Magazine: June to September 1916. (Also January 1923).
  • “Golden Snare.” Cassell's: 1918? (May not have been published).
  • “Great Experiment.” Blue Book: September 1913.
  • “Green Timber.” McCall’s: September to November 1929.
  • “Government Supervision of Townsites.” Dayton Herald: January 31, 1913.
  • “Great Argentine Bubble.” Ainslee’s: September 1911.
  • “The Grizzly” or “The Grizzly King.” Red Book Magazine: January to June 1916. (Also in Outdoor America: April to November 1924.)
  • " Growing Power of the Business Man in Politics.” Bookkeeper: July 1910.
  • “Hater of Men.” Red Book: 1912.
  • “Hearts of Men.”
  • “Hearts of the Northland.” 1921.
  • “Hell’s Gulch.”
  • “Help Us Save Vanishing America.” Success Magazine: April 1924.
  • “Hepzibah Starts a Revolution.” Ainslee’s: 1911.
  • “Her Fighting Chance.” 1918.
  • “Hill Versus the Gun.” 1913. (May not have been published).
  • “His Dog.” 1918. (May not have been published).
  • “His Lordship, Billy Smoke.” 1912. (Could be “Lawless Godliness of Billy Smoke.” Saturday Evening Post: December 25, 1911.)
  • “Honor of the Big Snows.” Munsey’s: August 1910 to January 1911.
  • “House of the Red Death.” Gunter’s Magazine: July 1910. Also in Far West Stories, n.d.
  • “House-Boating on Lake St. Clair.” Woman’s Home Companion: August 1904, p. 11.
  • “How the Highest-Paid of All Picture Playrights Gets His Stories.” Blue Book: May 1914.
  • “The Hunted.” Orchard & Farm: May 1917.
  • “Hunted Woman.” Blue Book: May 1915 to February 1916. (May also have been known as “Joanne of Fair Play.”)
  • “Hunting.” Bookkeeper: 1909.
  • “In the Big Game Country.” The Reader: December 1907.
  • “In the Big Game Region.” 1907.
  • “Indiscretion of Mrs. Tommy.” Leslie’s: 1911. (Also known as "Mrs. Tommy’s Indiscretion.”)
  • “Isobel.” Cavalier: December 14, 1912. (Alternative title & published as “Ice-Bound Hearts”; also published in Grit: December 1913.)
  • “Jolly Roger Goes Home.” Cosmopolitan: February 1922.
  • “Knight of Today.” 1914. (May be an alternative title of “God’s Country and the Woman.”)
  • “Lady of Peribonka.” Cosmopolitan: n.d.
  • “Last Domain.” 1920. (Original title for The Flaming Forest).
  • “The Last Match.”
  • “Lost Eskimos Village.” Collier’s: 1912.
  • “Love Affair of Captain Elisha Jenks.” New Gunters: June 1910. (Published under the title of “Old Dogs, New Tricks.”)
  • “Man Hunter.” Red Book: 1909.
  • “The Man from Ten Strike.”
  • “Methods of the Canadian Government.” Bookkeeper: 1909.
  • “Midnight Call.”
  • “Millionaire Ship Owner Who…“ Washington (Indiana) Times: November 20, 1908.
  • “Misery of the Millions.” (Probably never published.)
  • “My Creed of the Wild.” 1920.
  • “Mystery Girl.” 1918.
  • “The Mystery Man of Kim’s Bayou.”
  • “The Mystery of Dead Man’s Isle.”
  • “Nomads of the North.” Red Book: March 1918 to February 1919. (Also known as “Children of the Wild, Wild Strain.”)
  • “Northland of Canada.” 1913.
  • "The Object Lesson.” McCall: 1908.
  • “One with an Evil Heart.” Red Book: 1918.
  • “Only a Woman’s Hair.” Lippincott’s: 1902.
  • “Out of the Wilderness.” 1920.
  • “Outlawed.” Famous Story Magazine: November 1925.
  • “Outlaws.” Story Teller: March 1918. (May have been part of Kazan).
  • “Passing of the Old Life on the Lakes.” (Probably never published).
  • “Phillip Steele.” Red Book: 1910?
  • “The Pirate.” Cosmopolitan: 1908.
  • “Plains of Abraham.” McCall’s: October 1927 to March 1928.
  • “Pound for Pound.” Illustrated Sunday Magazine: 1912.
  • “Prayer.” 1894.
  • “Price of Hunting.” Pearson’s: 1910. (May not have been published.)
  • “Primitive Business Methods in the Wilderness.” Bookkeeper: 1909.
  • “The Princess & the Box.” Blue Book: December 1913.
  • “Protect the Spikehorn.” Various newspapers, August 1927.
  • “Pyramid Builder.” Leslie’s: 1910.
  • “The Rebel Quintette.” Or “The Ranger of the Florida Keys.” (Unpublished; written as a boy.)
  • “Red Sagamore’s Hidden Treasure.” 1891 (Never published.)
  • “Remittance Man.” Red Book: 1910.
  • “River’s End.” Good Housekeeping: January to June 1919. (Also in Grit: August 10, 1930 to September 28, 1930.)
  • “Romance of Fur.” Collier’s Canadian Edition: April 2, 1910; and Grit: September 28, 1930.
  • “Romance of the Trap-Line.” Saturday Evening Post: 1911. (Probably the same as “The Trappers.”)
  • “Royal Report for the Wilderness.” Outing (?): 1909. (May not have been published.)
  • “Running a Farm as Big as a Kingdom.” Bookkeeper: April 1910.
  • “The Smuggler’s Trail.” Brief Stories: April 1928.
  • “Snare of Circumstance.” People Magazine: 1909.
  • “Son of Kazan.” 1917. (Also known as "Baree, Son of Kazan.”)
  • “Son of the Forests.” McCall’s: March to May 1930.
  • “The Spear, a Relic of Barbarianism.” Various newspapers.
  • “Speck on the Wall.”
  • “Steel Leviathans of the Great Lakes.” Woman’s Home Companion: n.d.
  • “Stories of the Inland Seas.” Woman’s Home Companion: 1904.
  • “Story from the Border.” (May not have been published.)
  • “Story of Fur.” Bookkeeper: 1909.
  • “Swift Lightning.” Cosmopolitan: April to December 1919.
  • “The Tentacles of the North.” Blue Book: January 1915.
  • “Towers of Silence.” McClure’s: December 27, 1897.
  • “Tragedies of the North.” 1914. (May be the same as “Tragedy of Wild Animal Life.”)
  • “Trail of Gold.”
  • “Trifle.” 1911. (Alternative title to “Only a Trifle.”)
  • “Two Thousand Mile Trip on a Great Lakes Freighter.” 1908 (See “Trip on a Great Lakes Freighter.”)
  • “Two Thousand Miles Over Snow.” 1910.
  • “Unknown Canada.” Wide World Magazine: October 1913.
  • “Unusual Business Methods of a Pioneer Country.” Bookkeeper: May 1910.
  • “Valley of the Silent Men.” Grit: February 8, 1931. (Also Good Housekeeping: September 1919 to June 1920).
  • “What the Moon Saw at Midnight.” (Probably unpublished; written as a boy.)
  • “Wheels of Fate.”
  • “When Fate Plays a Hand.” Leslie’s: 1912.
  • “When Greek Meets Greek.” Young’s Magazine: 1903.
  • “Where to Find Big Game Easily.” Pearson’s Magazine: September 1910, pp. 406-12.
  • “Where to Go for Big Game” 1911. (Also published as “Where to Find Big Game Easily.”)
  • “White Man and His Rifle.” Saturday Evening Post: 1911.
  • “White Savage.” 1926. (Alternative title to “Crippled Lady of Peribonka.”)
  • “Why Josiah Joined the Angels.” Judge: 1913. (Probably the same as "Josiah’s Defeat.”)
  • “Wilderness Barbecue.” Leslie’s: 1912.
  • “Wilderness Mail.” Pall Mall Magazine: 1914. (Probably the same story as published in Leslie’s: November 21, 1912.)
  • “Winter on a Dog Sledge.” Field and Stream: 1910 (May not have been published.)
  • ”Wolf Hunters: A Tale of Real Scouts in the Wilderness.” Lone Scout: January 1917. (Also in Boy’s Magazine: May 1922.)
  • “World Hunters of the North.” Success: August 1911 and Wide World Magazine: September 1913.
  • “Yasodhara of the Luni.” Gray Goose: about 1900.
  • “Yukon Manhunt.”

*Thanks to Judy Eldridge and Tom Trusky for sharing their knowledge with the library. Items marked with an asterisk include their invaluable insights.

  • *The Alaskan. Paramount, 1924. Adapted from the book with the same title.
  • *The Ancient Highway. Paramount, 1925. Produced by Irvin Willat Production; starring Billie Dove, Jack Holt, Montagu Love, Stanley Taylor, Lloyd Whitlock, William A. Carrol, Marjorie Bonner, Christian J. Frank. Based upon the book with the same title.
  • *The Awakening. Vitagraph, 1915. Directed by Ralph Ince; starring Anita Stewart, Earle Williams, William Dangman, and Dorothy Leeds. Screenplay by Ralph Ince from a script by James Oliver Curwood.
  • Back to God’s Country. First National Pictures, 1919. Starring Nell Shipman, directed by David M. Hartford. (70 min.—16 mm—silent—b&w). Based upon the short story, “Wapi, the Walrus:” a husky dog comes to the aid of a girl being chased by a crook.
  • Back to God’s Country. Universal International, 1927. Directed by Irvin Willat; starring Renee Adoree. (70 min.—16 mm—silent—b&w) Based on the short story with the same title; detained in Canada by an unscrupulous trader, a schooner captain & his wife try to escape by dogsled.
  • Back to God’s Country. Universal Pictures Co., Inc., 1953. Starring Rock Hudson and Hugh O’Brian. (78 min.—16 mm—sound—color) Same plot as above.
  • *Baree, Son of Kazan. Vitagraph, 1918. Starring Nell Shipman and Albert Whitman. Based upon the book with the same title. Remade in 1925, starring Anita Stewart.
  • *Battle of Frenchman’s Run. Vitagraph, 1914. Directed by Theodore Marsten; starring Dorothy Kelly, George Cooper, Harry Carey, Albert Roccardi, and Charles H. West. Screenplay by Theodore Marsten from a script by James Oliver Curwood.
  • Bear. RCA-Columbia, 1989. (92 min—sound—color) The tale of a motherless cub who takes up an adventure with a gruff Kodiak bear. Set in the Canadian wilderness in the mid-19th century. Based on the book with the same title (1989); originally published with the title The Grizzly King (1916).
  • *Beautiful Belinda. Selig, 1915. Directed by E. A. Martin; starring C. C. Holland, Lee Morris, and Lillian Hayward. Scenario by Curwood.
  • ‘Neath Canadian Skies. Golden Gate Pictures, Inc. 1946. Distributed by Screen Guild Productions, Inc. Directed by B. Reeves Eason; produced by William B. David; starring Russell Hayden, Inez Cooper, Douglas Fowley, and Kermit Maynard. Based on a story by James Oliver Curwood.
  • *Betty in the Lion’s Den. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Frederick A. Thomson; starring Clara Kimball Young, Darwin Karr, Josie Sadler, and Etienne Giradot. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Broken Silence. Pine Tree Pictures, distributed by Arrow Film Corp., 1922. Directed by Del Henderson; starring Zena Keefe, Robert Elliott, J. Barney Sherry, Jack Hopkins, Jack Drumier, James Milady, Roy Gordon, Gypsy O’Brien, Dorothy Allen, Ted Griffen, Joseph  Depew, and William Fisher.
  • Call of the Klondike. Monogram Pictures, Inc., 1950. Stars Kirby Grant, Anne Gwynne, Lynne Roberts, Tom Neal, Russell Simpson, and Chinook the Wonder Dog; directed by Frank McDonald. (70 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Adapted from a story by James Oliver Curwood; a mountie and a girl search for the girl’s father. When they find a lost gold  mine, they are attacked by outlaws.
  • Call of the Yukon. Republic Pictures, Corp., 1938. Starring Richard Arlen and Beverly Roberts, directed by B. Reeves Eason. (75 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Derived from Swift Lightning.
  • *A Captain’s Courage. Rayart Pictures, 1926. Directed by Louis Chaudet; produced by Ben Wilson Productions; starring Richard Holt, Eddie Earl, Jack Henderson, Al Ferguson, Lafe McKee, and Dorothy Dwan. Probably based on The Courage of Captain Plum.
  • *Caryl of the Mountains. Hearst-Selig, 1914. Directed by Thomas Santschi; starring Kathlyn  Williams, Thomas Santschi, Harry Lonsdae, and Roy Watson. Scenario by Curwood.
  • Caryl of the Mountains. Reliable, 1936. (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Directed by Bernard B. Ray. Starring Rin-Tin-Tin, Jr. & Francis Bushman. A mountie and his German shepherd are on the trail of an outlaw.
  • *Cats. Selig, 1915. Directed by Norval MacGregor. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Children of Fate. Nestor, 1914. Directed by Wallace Reid; starring Wallace Reid, Dorothy Davenport, Joe King, Phil Dunham, Frank Borzage, and Billy Wolbert. Later called "Love’s Western Flight". Script by Curwood.
  • Code of the Mounted. Ambassador Pictures, Inc., 1935. Directed by Sam Newfield; produced by Sam Newfield; starring Kermit Maynard, Lillian Miles, Robert Warwick, Syd Saylor, Jim Thorpe, Wheeler Oakman, and Eddie Phillips. Adapted from silent film “Wheels of Fate.”
  • *The Country Beyond. Fox Film Co., 1926. Directed by Irving Cummings; starring Olive Borden, Ralph Graves, Gertrude Astor, J. Farrell MacDonald, Evelyn Selbie, Fred Kohler, Lawford Davidson, Alfred Fisher, and Lottie Williams. Based on the book with the same title.
  • The Country Beyond. 20th Century Fox Film, Corp., 1936. Directed by Eugene Forde with Paul Kelly and Rochelle Huson. Photoplay derived from the book with the same title.
  • *Courage of Marge O’Doone. Vitagraph, 1918. Adapted from the book with the same title.
  • *The Coyote. Selig, 1915. Directed by Guy Oliver. Based on Curwood’s short story with the same title.
  • *Danger Trail. Selig, 1913. Starring H. B. Warner. Based on the book with the same title.
  • Dawn of/on the Great Divide. Monogram Pictures, Corp., 1942. Starring Buck Jones, Raymond Hatton, Rex Bell, Mona Barrie, Harry Woods, and Robert Frazer; directed by  Howard Bretherton. (57 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Super 8 & video versions also  produced. Derived from the film “Wheels of Fate” and screen story by Jess Bowers.
  • The Destroyers. Vitagraph, 1916. Directed by Ralph Ince; starring Lucille Lee Stewart. (5 reels—16 mm—silent—b&w) Based on the short story “Peter God.”
  • *Diamond Cut Diamond. Lubin Mfg. Co., 1913. Directed by L. B. Carlton; starring Isabelle  Lamon. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Does Advertising Pay. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Larry Trimble; starring Wally Van.  Scenario by Curwood.
  • *The Dream Girl: an Ideal Realized. Selig, 1914. Directed by Thomas Santschi; starring  Thomas Santschi, Bessie Eyton, Harry Lonsdale, Edith Johnson, Charles Wheelock, and Lex Wilmouth. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Duty and the Man. Reliance, 1913. Directed by Oscar Apfel; starring James Ashley,  Gertrude Robinson, Charles Elliott, Irving Cummings, George Siegmann. Probably based on Philip Steele.
  • *The Eugenic Girl. Selig, 1914. Directed and produced by Thomas Santschi; starring Elsie Greeson, Franklyn Hall, Harry McCabe, and Thomas Santschi. Scenario by Curwood.
  • Fangs of the Arctic. Allied Artist Production, released by Monogram Pictures, Corp., 1953.  Starring Kirby Grant and Warren Douglas; directed by Rex Bailey. (63 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Based on a story by James Oliver Curwood.
  • *Fatal Note: Jealous of His Own Love Letter. Selig, 1914. Directed and produced by E. A. Martin; starring Adele Lane and Edwin Wallock. Scenario by Curwood and used as basis for Phantom Patrol in 1936.
  • *Fathers of Men. 1916. Starring Robert Edison. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *The Feudist. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Wilfred North; starring John Bunny, Sidney Drew, Flora Finch, Lillian Walker, Wallie Van, Kenneth Casey, Josie Sadler, and Paul Kelly. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Fiddling Man. 1917. Starring Jane Grey. Based upon the short story “The Fiddling Man” in Back to God’s Country.
  • *Fifth Man: The Wanderers Return. Selig, 1914. Produced and directed by F. J. Grandon;  starring Bessie Eyton, Charles Clary, Lafayette McKee, Roy Watson, and Charles Wheelock. Based upon a short story by Curwood.
  • *Fighting Chance. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Ralph Ince; starring Anita Stewart, Rosemary  Thelby, Ned Finley, Courtenay Foote.
  • Fighting Texan. Ambassador-Conn, 1937. Directed by Charles Abbott; starring Kermit Maynard, Elaine Shepard, Frank LaRue, Bud Buster, Ed Cassidy, Bruce Mitchell, and Murdock McQuarrie. (60 min—16 mm—sound—b&w) From a story by James Oliver Curwood. Horse rustling and a murder at the Bar W Ranch make Glenn Oliver, part-owner, the chief suspect. This is Kermit Maynard’s first talking, starring role.
  • Fighting Trooper. Ambassador Pictures, 1934. Directed by Ray Taylor; starring Kermit Maynard, Barbara Worth, George Regas, Walter Miller, LeRoy Mason, Charles Delaney,  Joseph W. Girard, and Robert Frazer. (87 min.—video—sound—b&w) Based on the story “Footprints;” mounties bring law to the Midwest.
  • *The Firefly. Pine Tree Productions, 1921.
  • *Flaming Forest. MGM, 1926. Directed by Reginald Barker; starring Antonio Moreno, Renee  Adoree, Gardner James, and William Austin. Based on the book with the same title.
  • *The Flashlight. Selig, 1915. Directed by Lloyd B. Carleton; starring Bessie Eyton, Edward J. Peil, C. C. Holland, and Robert Morris. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *The Flirt’s Repentance. Selig, 1913. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Flower of the North. Vitagraph, 1921. Directed by David Smith; produced by Albert E. Smith; starring Henry B. Walthall, Pauline Starke, Harry Northrup, Joe Rickson, Jack Curtis, and Emmett King. Adapted from the book with the same title.
  • *Forest Bird. Vitagraph, 1914.
  • *Fortune’s Turn. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Wilfred North; starring Ned Finley, Rose Tapley, and Helene Costello. Scenario by Curwood. Original title was No. 999.
  • *Four Minutes Late: A Change of Heart. Selig, 1914. Directed by F. J. Grandon; starring Charles Wheelock, Edwin Wallock, Lafayette McKee, and Adda Gleason. Script by Curwood. "The Northern Frontier" and "The Northern Patrol" were both based on this film.
  • *Galloping Dynamite. Ambassador, 1937. Directed by Harry Fraser; produced by Maurice Conn; starring Kermit Maynard, Ariane Allen, and John Merton. Based upon the film Mystery of Dead Man’s Isle.
  • *The Game of Life. Vitagraph, 1914. Remade as Valley of Terror in 1940.
  • *Getting a Start in Life. Selig, 1915. Directed by and starring Tom Mix. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Girl Beyond the Trail. 1918. Adapted from the book The Courage of Marge O’Doone.
  • *The Girl from Porcupine. Pine Tree Productions, 1921. Original title was The Firefly.
  • God’s Country. Action Pictures, Inc. & distributed by Screen Guild, 1946. Directed by Robert Tansey; starring Robert Lowery and Buster Keaton. Derived from a story by James Oliver Curwood.
  • *God’s Country and the Law. Pine Tree Productions, 1921. Directed by Sidney Olcott; starring Gladys Leslie, Fred C. Jones, William H. Tooker, Cesare Gravina, and Hope Sutherland. Adapted from the book God’s Country and the Woman.
  • *God’s Country & the Woman. Vitagraph, 1915. Starring Nell Shipman and William Duncan.
  • God’s Country & the Woman. Warner Brother Pictures, Inc. & Bitaphone Corp., 1936/37. Starring George Brent & Beverly Roberts, directed by William Keighley. (80 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Derived from the book with the same title; original film title was The Avenging Stranger. The Russett and Barton Lumber Companies clash.
  • *The Gods Redeem. Vitagraph, 1915. Directed by Van Dyke Brooke; starring Maurice Costello, Leah Baird, Van Dyke Brooke, and Mary Maurice. Script by Curwood.
  • *The Gold Hunters. Guaranteed Pictures, 1925. Directed by Paul Hurst; starring David Butler,  Hedda Nova, Mary Carr, and Bull Montana. Adapted from the book with the same title.
  • *Gold Madness. Perfect Pictures, 1923. Directed by Robert T. Thornby; produced by E. de B. Newman; starring Guy Bates Post, Cleo Madison, Mitchell Lewis, and Grace Darmond. Based on the short story “The Man from Ten Strike.”
  • *Golden Snare. David Hartford Productions, 1921. Produced and directed by David Hartford; starring Lewis Stone, Wallace Beery, Melbourne MacDowell, Ruth Renwick, Wellington Playter, DeWitt Jennings, Francis MacDonald, and Little Ester Scott. Based upon the book with the same title which was published later. Curwood was a partner with Hartford in this film.
  • *Great Experiment. Selig, 1915. Directed by Thomas Santschi; starring Thomas Santschi and Bessie Eyton. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Hearts of Men. Selig, 1914. Directed by Marshall Farnum. Scenario by Curwood. Also produced by Charles K. Harris in 1916 and Morris R. Schlank Productions in 1928.
  • *Hearts of the Northland. Pine Tree Productions, 1921. Adapted from the short story “A Test of the Code.”
  • *Her Fighting Chance. A. M. Jacobs Photoplays, 1917. Directed by Edwin Carewe; starring Jane Grey. Originally filmed as A Fighting Chance by Vitagraph in 1913.
  • *His Dominent Passion. Vitagraph, 1914. Starring Leah Baird, William Humphrey, and J. H. Frank. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *His Fight: A Strange Story of Lost Love. Selig, 1914. Directed by Colin Campbell; starring Wheeler Oakman, Eugenie Besserer, Jack F. McDonald, and Henry Otto. Script by  Curwood.
  • *His Fighting Blood. Selig, 1915. Directed by Thomas Santschi; starring Thomas Santschi and Bessie Eyton. Scenario by Curwood.
  • His Fighting Blood. Ambassador Pictures, Inc., 1935. (59 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w)  Starring Kermit Maynard, Polly Ann Young, Paul Fix, and Ted Adams. Adapted from a story by James Oliver Curwood. When the Gold Rock Mining Company in Grandville, Ontario is sold, trouble begins for the two brothers Tom and Bob Elliot.
  • *His Lordship Billy Smoke. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by R. T. Thornby; starring Edwin August and Charles Bennett. Based on the short story “The Lawless Godliness of Billy Smoke.” Remade by Vitagraph in 1925.
  • *Hunted Woman. Vitagraph, 1916. Based on the book with the same title. Also filmed by William Fox in 1925.
  • I Am the Law. Edwin Carewe Producer, 1922. Directed by Edwin Carewe; starring Alice Lake, Kenneth Harlan, Rosemary Theby, Gaston Glass, Noah Beery, and Wallace Beery. (7  reels—16 mm—silent—b&w) Based on the short story “The Poetic Justice of Uko San”. A Royal Mounted policeman rescues a young lady, who then falls in love with his brother.
  • *In Defiance of the Law. Selig, 1914. Directed by Colin Campbell; starring Wheeler Oakman. Based on the book Isobel.
  • *In the Days of Fanny. Vitagraph, 1915. Directed by Theodore Marsten; starring James Morrison, George Cooper, and Dorothy Kelly. Script by Curwood. May also be known as In the Days of Famine.
  • In the Tentacles of the North. Sylvan Films, 1926. Directed by Louis Chaudet & produced by Ben Wilson. (6 reels—8 mm—b&w) Based on the short story with the same title. Two vessels are stuck in the ice; on one is a crewman, and on the other, the lone survivor--a girl.
  • *Isobel. 1926. Adapted from the book with the same title. Filmed in 1921 as The Trail’s End.
  • Jacqueline or Blazing Barrier. Pine Tree Pictures, 1923. Directed by Dell Henderson. Starring Marquerite Courtot, Helen Rowland, Gus Weinberg, Effie Shannon, Lew Cody, and Taxie (a dog). (7 reels—16 mm—silent—b&w) Based on the short story with the same title. A love triangle in a lumber camp and a forest fire lead to a dramatic rescue and reunion.
  • *Jan of the Big Snows. Charles M. Seay, 1922. Directed by Charles M. Seay; starring Louise Prussing, Warner Richmond, William Peavey, Baby Eastman Haywood, Frank Robbins, and  Richard R. Neill. Based on the book Honor of the Big Snows.
  • *Jungle Lovers. Selig, 1915. Directed by Lloyd B. Carlton; starring Bessie Eyton, Edward J. Peil, Richard Morris, Tom Bates, Edwin Wallock, Cash Darrell, and Baby Jean Fraser. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Kazan. Selig, 1921. Based on the book by the same title.
  • Kazan. Columbia Pictures Corp., 1949. Starring Joe Sawyer & Stephen Dune; directed by Will  Jason. (65 min—16 mm—sound—b&w) Based on Kazan, the Wolf Dog. After being stolen, a large sled dog escapes and sets out to find his master.
  • *The Lady Killer. Selig, 1915. Directed by Norval MacGregor; starring John Lancaster, Lyllian Brown Leighton, and Elsie Greeson. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *The Last Man. Vitagraph, 1916.
  • Law of the Timber. Producters Releasing Corp., 1941. Produced by B. B. Ray ; starring Marjorie Reynolds, Monte Blue, and J. Farrell McDonald; directed by Bernard B. Ray. (70 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Derived from James Oliver Curwood’s short story “The Speck on the Wall.”
  • *Looking Forward. Thanhouser, 1910. Directed by Theodore Marsten; starring Frank Crane and William Russell. Based on a short story by Curwood; possibly his first film.
  • *Lost Millionaire. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Ralph Ince; starring E. K. Lincoln, Anita Stewart, Charles Kent, Tefft Johnson, and Mary Maurice. Script by Curwood.
  • *Love and the Law. Pine Tree Productions, 1921. Adapted from the book God’s Country and the Woman.
  • *A Man and a Girl and a Lion. Selig, 1917. Starring Kathlyn Williams. Probably an original script.
  • *The Man From Hell’s River. Irving Cummings Productions, 1922. Produced and directed by Irving Cummings; starring Irving Cummings, Eva Novak, Wallace Beery, Frank Whitson,  Robert Klein, William Herford, and Rin-Tin-Tin. Based on the short story “God of Her People.”.
  • *Man Hater: How the Biter was Bitten. Selig, 1914. Produced and directed by E. A. Martin; starring Lyllian Brown Leighton, Adele Lane, William Stowell, Lee Morris, and Edwin Wallock. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Man’s Law. Selig, 1915. Directed by Colin Campbell. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Memories That Haunt. Vitagraph, 1914. Directed by Harry Lambart; starring Earle Williams, Rose Tapley, Mary Maurice, Helene Costello, and George Stevens. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *The Midnight Call. Selig, 1914. Directed by Fred Huntley; starring Harold Lockwood, Mabel Van Buren, Henry Otto, Lillian Hayward, George Hernandez, and Gordon Sackville. Script by Curwood (?)
  • My Neighbor’s Wife. Clifford S. Elfelt Producers, 1925. Directed by Clarence Geldert. (6 reels—16 mm—silent—b&w) Based on the short story “The Other Man’s Wife.” The son of a millionaire who wants to make it on his own, puts his last dime into a film, and hires Eric Von Greed to shoot it.
  • *Mystery of Dead Man’s Isle. Selig, 1915. Directed by Giles R. Warren; starring Clyde Benson and Edith Johnson. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Mystery of the Seven Chests: Tale of a Belated Confession. Selig, 1914. Directed by E. A.  Martin; starring William Stowell, Lillian Hayward, Adda Gleason, and Edwin Wallock. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Mystery of the Silver Skull. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Wilfred North and Maurice Costello; starring Maurice Costello, Mary Charleson, L. Roger Lytton, and William Raymond. Scenario by Curwood.
  • Nikki: Wild Dog of the North. Buena Vista Film Distribution Co., Inc., 1961. Directed by Jack Couffer. Video available from Disney. (73 min.—sound—color) Derived from the book Nomads of the North: A Story of Romance & Adventure Under the Open Stars. A young wolf dog and a bear cub, separated from their master, are forced to survive in the 27 wilds.
  • Nomads of the North. Associated First National, 1920. (50 min.—16 mm—silent—b&w)  Directed by David M. Hartford; starring Antonio De Teffe, Bety Blythe, Lon Chaney, and Lewis Stone. A man in the north country tries to win a girl by making her think her trapper lover is dead.
  • North of the Border. Golden Gate Pictures, Inc., distributed by Screen Guild Productions, 1946. Starring Russell Hayden; directed by B. Reeves Easton. (42 min--16mm—sound—b&w) Based on a story by James Oliver Curwood.
  • Northern Frontier. Ambassador Pictures, Inc., 1935. Directed by Sam Newfield; produced by Maurice Conn; starring Kermit Maynard, Eleanor Hunt, J. Farrell MacDonald, Charles  King, Walter Brennan, and Tyrone Power, Jr. Suggested by James Oliver Curwood’s story “Four Minutes Late.”
  • Northern Patrol. Allied Artist Corp., 1953. Produced by Lindsley Parsons; starring Kirby Grant and Marian Carr; directed by Frank McDonald. (61 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Based on Nomads of the North. When thieves plan to plunder an Indian burial ground, they are opposed by a lone Mountie and his loyal dog.
  • Northwest Territory. Monogram Pictures Corp., 1951. Starring Kirby Grant; directed by Frank McDonald; starring Kirby Grant, Gloria Saunders, Warren Douglas, and Chinook the Wonder Dog. (61 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Mountie Rod Webb and his dog, Chinook, discover who killed Billy’s grandfather.
  • *Old Code. Selig, 1915. Directed by E. A. Martin; starring William Stowell and Edwin Wallock. Script by Curwood. Also filmed by Morris R. Schlank Productions in 1928.
  • *The Ordeal: Love Clarified by Fire. Selig, 1914. Directed by Thomas Santschi. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Paid in Advance. Universal-Jewel Production, 1919. Directed by Alan Holubar; starring Dorothy Phillips, Joseph Girard, Lon Chaney, Priscilla Dean, William Stowell, Frank Brownie, Bill Buress, and Harry De More. Suggested by a story by Curwood.
  • *Peggy the Pirate. Famous Players-Lasky, 1918. Starring Lila Lee.
  • *Peter God. Vitagraph, 1915. Starring Robert Lawler, Coralie DeBar, and John Gordon. Based on a short story with the same title.
  • Phantom Patrol. Maurice Conn Production, released by Ambassador Pictures, Inc., 1936.  Starring Kermit Maynard, John Barclay, Richard Curtis, Harry Worth, and Paul Fix; directed by Charles Hutchinson. (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Based on the film The Fatal  Note. Geary and his gang take to a northwoods hide-out where Geary kidnaps and impersonates Canadian author Stephen Norris.
  • *Phillip Steele. Reliance, 1912. Starring Gertrude Robinson and Hector Kion. Based on the book Steele of the Royal Mounted. Also filmed by Vitagraph in 1919 and 1925.
  • *The Pirates. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by George D. Baker; starring Clara Kimball Young, John Bunny, and Robert Gaillord. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Playing with Fire: The Penalty of a Flirtation. Selig, 1914. Starring Thomas Santschi and  Bessie Eyton. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Poetic Justice of Omar Khan. Selig, 1915. Directed by Edward LeSaint; starring Guy Oliver, Stella Razetto, Eugenie Bessere, Harry Davis, and Fred Huntley. Based on the short story “The Poetic Justice of Uko-San.”
  • *Polishing Up. Vitagraph, 1914. Directed by George D. Baker; starring John Bunny, Flora Finch, William Humphrey, Phyllis Gray, Emily Hayes, and Paul Kelly. From a script by Curwood.
  • *Pound for a Pound. Essanay, 1915. Starring Albert Roscoe, Nell Craig, Wallace Beery, and Harry Dunkinson. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Prejudice of Pierre Marie. Vitagraph, 1911. Directed by Larry Trimble; starring Tefft Johnson, Florence Turner, William Humphrey, and Anita Stewart. From a script by Curwood.
  • *Prisoners of the Storm. Universal, 1926. Starring House Peters. From the short story “The Quest of Joan.” (?)
  • *Queen of Jungleland. Bison, 1915. Directed by J. J. Franz; starring Wellington Playter, Edythe Sterling, Lule Warrenton, Rex DeRosselli, and Sherman Bainbridge. From a script by Curwood.
  • *Rags and the Girl. Vitagraph, 1915. Directed by Van Dyke Brooke; starring Maurice Costello, Adele deGarde, Mary Maurice, and Ethel Corcoran, Florence Natol.
  • *Red Blood of Courage. Selig, 1915. Directed by Thomas Santschi; starring Thomas Santschi, Bessie Eyton, Lafayette McKee, and Adda Gleason. Scenario by Curwood.
  • Red Blood of Courage. Ambassador Pictures, Inc., 1935. Derived from a story by James Oliver Curwood.
  • *Richest Girl in the World. Selig, 1915. Directed by Edward J. LeSaint; starring Stella Razetto and Guy Oliver. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *River’s End. Vitagraph or Cosmopolitan, 1920. Directed by Marshall Neilan. Based on the book with the same title.
  • *River’s End. Warner Brothers, 1922.
  • River’s End. Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc., 1930/31. Starring Charles Bickford and Evelyn Knapp; directed by Michael Curtiz. (74 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w)
  • River’s End. Warner Brothers(?) 1940 version. Starring Dennis Morgan & Victor Jory; directed by Ray Enright. (69 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Original title: Double Identity. Adapted from the book with the same title. Keith impersonates a Canadian Mountie and must decide between telling the truth and being convicted of a murder he did not commit or losing the girl he loves.
  • Roaring Six Guns. Ambassador release of a Maurice-Conn Production, 1937. Starring Kermit Maynard, Mary Hayes, and Sam Flint; directed by J.P. McGowan. (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Super 8 sound version also produced. Suggested by a story by James Oliver Curwood.
  • Rough Ridin’ Rhythm. Ambassador release of a Maurice-Conn Production, 1937/38. Starring Kermit Maynard, Beryl Wallace, Ralph Peters, and J. P. McGowan. Adapted from a story by James Oliver Curwood.
  • *The Scoop. Vitagraph, 1912. Starring Edith Storey.
  • *Second Childhood. Selig, 1914. Directed by Norval MacGregor. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Skull and the Crown: A Psychological Comedy. Selig, 1914. Directed by E. A. Martin. Scenario by Curwood. Also filmed in 1935 with Rin-Tin-Tin (?)
  • *The Slaver. Morris R. Schlank Productions, 1950.
  • Snow Dog. Monogram Pictures Corp., 1950. Produced by Linsley Parsons; starring Kirby Grant and Elena Verdugo; directed by Frank McDonald. (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w)  Derived from “Tentacles of the North”. Canadian settlers are edgy when confronted with a man-killing white wolf.
  • *Soldiers of Chance. Vitagraph, 1915. Based on the novelette “Soldiers of Chance.” The original title of this film was The Vulture.
  • Song of the Trail. Ambassador-Conn Films, Maurice-Conn Production, 1936. Starring Kermit Maynard, Evelyn Brent, Fuzzy Knight, George Hayes, and Wheeler Oakman; directed by Russell Hopton. (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Super 8 version also produced. Suggested by the short story “Playing with Fire.” Jim Carter enters the Dorcey City Rodeo but spends more time recovering a friend’s mine lost in a crooked poker game.
  • *Soul Master. Vitagraph.
  • *Speck on the Wall. Selig, 1914. Directed by Colin Campbell; starring by Kathlyn Williams and Wheeler Oakman. From a script by Curwood.
  • *Spirit of the Violin. Selig, 1915. Directed by Edward J. LeSaint; starring Stella Razetto and Baby Lillian Wade. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Steele of the Royal Mounted. Selig, 1912. Based on the book with the same title. Also filmed by Vitagraph in 1925.
  • *Story of the Blood Red Rose: A Tale of White Magic. Selig, 1914. Directed by Colin Campbell; starring Kathlyn Williams, Wheeler Oakman, Charles Clary, Eugenie Besserer, Frank Clark, and Camille Astor. From a script by Curwood.
  • *The Strange Case of Princess Kahn. Selig, 1915. Directed by Edward J. LeSaint; starring Stella Razetto, Guy Oliver, and Jack MacDonald. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Strength of Men. Vitagraph, 1913. Starring Ned Finely, Herbert L. Barry, Edith Story, and Tefft Johnson. Based on the short story with the same title.
  • *A Study in Tramps. Vitagraphs, 1915. Directed by Lee Beggs; starring Billy Quick and  Constance Talmadge. Probably an original script.
  • *Tangled Lives. Vitagraph, 1915. Released in 1918.
  • Tentacles of the North. Rayart, 1926. (50 min.—16 mm—silent—b&w) Directed by Louis Chaudet; starring Gaston Glass and Alice Calhoun. Based on a short story with the same title. A young man finds a girl stranded on a ship where the entire crew have died, and the men on his ship chase them into the Arctic.
  • *Test. Selig, 1914. Directed by Thomas Santschi; starring Thomas Santschi and Bessie Eyton.  Scenario by Curwood.
  • *Their Wives’ Indiscretion. Essanay, 1913. Based on the short story “The Indiscretion of Mrs. Tommy.”
  • *Thor, Lord of the Jungle. Selig, 1913. Directed by Colin Campbell; starring Kathlyn Williams, Charles Clary, Thomas Santschi, Lafayette McKee, and William Holland.
  • *Thou Shalt Not Covet. Selig, 1916. Starring Tyrone Power.
  • *Thundergod. Morris Schlank Productions, 1928.
  • *Till Death Do Us Part. Selig, 1914. Directed by Colin Campbell; starring Kathlyn Williams, Wheeler Oakman, and Charles Clary. From a script by Curwood.
  • Timber Fury. A Jack Schwarz Production, presented by Outdoor Action Productions; released through Eagle Lion Films, Inc., 1950. Starring David Bruce and Laura Lee; directed by Bernard B. Ray. (63 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Derived  from James Oliver Curwood’s short story “Retribution.” An outdoor adventure among the giant trees; a train wreck and a log jam create havoc in a late 1940’s logging camp in Oregon.
  • Timber War. Ambassador Pictures, Inc., 1936. Starring Kermit Maynard, Lucille Lund, Lawrence Gray, Robert Warwick, and Wheeler Oakman; directerd by Sam Newfield. (56 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) From the story Curwood’s story “Hell’s Gulch.” Multiple logging camp and lumber mill accidents point to sabotage.
  • *Tragedy That Lived: The Fatality of Love. Selig, 1914. Directed by Colin Campbell;  starring Kathlyn Williams, Wheeler Oakman, Charles Clary, and Eugenie Besserer. From a script by Curwood.
  • Trail Beyond. Monogram Pictures, Corp., 1934. Starring John Wayne, Noah Beery, Noah Berry, Jr., Iris Lancaster, Verna Hillie, and Robert Frazer; directed by Robert N. Bradbury. (79 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Video version produced by Spotlight Video. Based on The Wolf Hunters; a man saves his buddy from carsharpers, uncovers a map to a gold mine, and is pursued by crooks.
  • Trail of the Mounties. Bali Pictures, 1947/48. Starring Russell Hayden and Jennifer Holt; directed by Howard Bretherton. (42 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) From a story by James Oliver Curwood; a Canadian Mountie chases a fur trapper.
  • Trail of the Yukon. Monogram Pictures Corp., 1948/49. Starring Kirby Grant; directed by William Crowley. (69 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Video version also produced. From  the book The Gold Hunters; a gang of bank robbers are tracked by a mountie and his dog.
  • *Trail’s End. MGM (?), 1921. From the book Isobel. Also filmed in 1935 and 1949.
  • Trails of the Wild. Ambassador Pictures, Inc., 1935. (60 min.—b&w) Directed by Sam Newfield; starring Kermit Maynard, Billie Seward, Fuzzy Knight, Monte Blue, and Wheeler Oakman. Produced from James Oliver Curwood’s story “Caryl of the Mountains.” A  Canadian Mountie is on the trail of the man who murdered his pal.
  • *Treasure of Desert Isle. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Ralph Ince; starring Charles Kent, Anita Stewart, E. K. Lincoln, George Stevens, and Ralph Ince. From a script by Curwood.
  • *Two Frauds. Selig, 1914.
  • *Two Women. Vitagraph, 1915. Directed by Ralph Ince; starring Anita Stewart, Earl Williams, Julie Swayne Gordon, and Harry Northrup. From a script by Curwood.
  • *Valley of Silent Men. Cosmopolitan, 1922. Starring Alma Rubens. Based on the book with the same title.
  • *Valley of Terror. Ambassador Pictures, 1937. Directed by Al Herman; produced by Maurice Conn; staring Kermit Maynard, Harlene (or Harley) Wood, John Merton, Roger William, Frank McCarroll, and Dick Curtis. From the movie The Game of Life.
  • *Vengeance of Rannah. Selig, 1915. Directed by Thomas Santschi; starring George Larkin, Leo Pierson, Lafayette McKee, and Marion Warner. Scenario by Curwood.
  • Vengeance of Rannah. Reliable. 1936.  (59 min—16 mm—b&w) Directed by Bernard Ray; starring Bob Custer and Rin-Tin-Tin, Jr. An insurance detective investigates a stagecoach payroll robbery.
  • *Venus and Adonis. Selig, 1913. Directed by Otis Turner. Scenario by Curwood.
  • *The War Makers. Selig or Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Maurice Costello and Robert Gaillord; starring Maurice Costello and Mary Charleson.
  • *Wheels of Fate. Selig, 1913. Directed by Oscar Eagle; starring Thomas Carrigan, Clifford Bruce, Adrienne Kroell, and Alma Russell. Scenario by Curwood.
  • When the Door Opened. Fox, 1925. Directed by Reginald Barker; starring Jacqueline Logan and Walter McGrail. (7 reels—16 mm—silent—b&w) Based on a short story with the same title. Clive returns home announced and finds his wife in the arms of Henry. He shoots Henry and then hides out in the woods.
  • *When Women Go on the Warpath: or Why Jonesville Went Dry. Vitagraph, 1913.  Directed by James Young and Wilfred North; starring Flora Finch, Kate Price, Sidney Drew, and Grand Marshall. Scenario by Curwood.
  • Whistling Bullets. Ambassador Pictures release of a Maurice-Conn Production, 1926/27.  Starring Kermit Maynard, Harlene (Harley) Wood, Jack Ingram, and Maston Williams; directed by John English. (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w)  Derived from a story by James Oliver Curwood; two Texas rangers are on the trail of a gang of bond thieves. Also filmed in 1946.
  • *The White Mouse. Selig, 1914. Directed by Colin Campbell; starring Bessie Eyton, Wheeler Oakman. From a script by Curwood.
  • *Why I Am Here. Vitagraph, 1913. Directed by Ralph Ince; starring Sidney Drew, Anita  Steward, Charles Eldridge, L. Rogers Lytton, and William Farnum. From a script by Curwood.
  • *Wild Horse Roundup. Ambassador, 1936. Directed by Alan James; produced by Maurice Conn; starring Kermit Maynard, Betty Lloyd, Beth Marion, and Dickie Jones.
  • Wildcat Trooper. Ambassador Pictures Corp., release of a Maurice-Conn Production, 1936. Starring Kermit Maynard, Hobart Bosworth, Fuzzy Knight, Lois Wilde, and Jim Thorpe; directed by Elmer Clifton. (59 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Based on Curwood’s story “Midnight Call.” This Mountie movie is about a feud over some missing furs.
  • *Wilderness Mail. Selig, 1914. Directed by Colin Campbell; starring Bessie Eyton and Wheeler Oakman. From a script by Curwood. Also filmed by Ambassador Pictures in 1935.
  • *Wolf Hunters. Rayart Pictures, 1926. Starring Robert McKim, Alan Roscoe, Virginia Brown Faire, Mildred Harris, and David Torrence. Based on the book with the same title.
  • Wolf Hunters. Monogram Pictures, Corp., 1949. Starring Kirby Grant and Jan Clayton; directed by Budd Boetticher. (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Produced from James  Oliver Curwood’s novel with the same title, but it bears little resemblance. Furs are stolen, and two attempts are made on Paul’s life.
  • *Ye Vengeful Vagabond: Hate Cast Upon the Waters. Selig, 1914. Starring Stella Razetto and Guy Oliver. Scenario by Curwood.
  • The Yellowback. FBO Productions, Inc., 1929. Starring Tom Moore. Based on “The  Yellowback” in James Oliver Curwood’s Back to God’s Country & Other Stories.
  • *The Young Man Who Figgered. Vitagraph, 1914. Directed by Lee Beggs; starring Billy Quirk, William Shea, Constance Talmadge, and Florence Natol. Scenario by Curwood.
  • Yukon Gold. Monogram Pictures Corp., 1952. Starring Kirby Grant, Martha Hyer, Harry Lauter, and Chinook the Wonder Dog; directed by Frank McDonald. (63 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Based on The Gold Hunters; a Mountie arrives in a mining camp searching for a killer and finds a pretty female gambler.
  • Yukon Manhunt. Monogram Pictures, 1951. Produced byLindsley Parsons; starring Kirby Grant and Gail Davis; directed by Frank McDonald. (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w)
  • Yukon Manhunt. Monogram Pictures, 1960. Starring Kirby Grant and Chinook (dog). (60 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) Corporal Webb of the Mounties sets out after the criminals behind a series of payroll robberies and finds himself in danger on all sides.
  • Yukon Vengeance. Allied Artists Pictures Corp., & Monogram Pictures Corp., 1954. Starring Kirby Grant and Monte Hale; directed by William Beaudine. (68 min.—16 mm—sound—b&w) From a story by James Oliver Curwood. A Mountie and his dog look into the robbery and murder of three mail carriers.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dimmitt, Richard Bertrand. A Title Guide to the Talkies. Scarecrow Press, 1965.
Emmens, Carol A. Short Stories on Film & Video. 2nd ed. Libraries Limited, 1985.
Limbacher, James L. Feature Films. 8th ed. R. R. Bowker, 1985.
Pitts, Michael R. Western Movies: A TV and Video Guide to 4200 Genre Films. McFarland & Co., 1986.

Books & Articles About James Oliver Curwood

  • Curwood, James Oliver. God's Country: the Trail to Happiness. New York: Cosmopolitan Books, 1921.
  • Curwood, James Oliver. The Glory of Living: the Autobiography of an Adventurous Boy Who Grew into a Writer and a Lover of Life. Mattituck, N.Y.: Aeonian, 1983.
  • "Editorials Praise Curwood." Argus Press: August 17, 1927, p. 1.
  • Eldridge, Judith A. James Oliver Curwood: God's Country and the Man. Bowling Green, OH:  Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1993.
  • ”God’s Country and the Woman” (review). Bookman: June 1915, p. 425.
  • ”J. O. Curwood’s The Danger Trail” (review). Bookman: April 1910, p. 202.
  • ”James Oliver Curwood Finds the Soul of Nature.” Dearborn Independent (Ford International Weekly): May 6, 1922.
  • "James Oliver Curwood's Life: Short But Adventuresome." Shiawassee County Independent: June 3, 1985, pp 4-5.
  • ”Jim Curwood.” Bookman: November 1927, pp. 288-91.
  • ”Jim Curwood of Owosso.” Good Housekeeping: November 1922, pp. 40ff.
  • Long, Ray. "James Oliver Curwood and His Far North." Bookman: February 1921, pp. 492-95.
  • "The Lounger." Putnam's Monthly & the Reader: Vol. V (1908-09), p. 497
  • "Owosso's Curwood Wrote 30 Novels, But Critics Cool." Flint Journal: September 12, 1965.
  • ”Rollo Boys Lost in the Curwood.” Bookman: September 1925, pp. 28-32.
  • Ross, Inez. The Bear and the Castle: the James Oliver Curwood Story. Los Alamos, N.M.: Ashley House, 1997.
  • Shiawassee County Genealogical Society. The Curwood Family.
  • Shiawassee County Independent & the Argus Press. Curwood Tree Has Deep Roots.
  • Swiggett, Hobart Donald. James Oliver Curwood, Disciple of the Wilds. Paebar Co., 1943.
  • "Curwood Funeral Set for Tuesday." Argus Press: August 14, 1927, p. 1.
  • Eastman, John. "James Oliver Curwood: Conservation's Holy Terror." Michigan Out-of-Doors: July 1973, p. 10.
  • “How the Highest Paid of All Picture Playwrights Gets His Material.” Green Book:  May 1914.
  • “The Late J. O. C.” (picture). Bookman: November 1908, p. 208.