by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Hal Reid, father of popular silent film star Wallace Reid, penned the screenplay for Dan. The title character, a faithful black retainer, is played by caucasian Lew Dockstader, perhaps the most famous minstrel entertainer of his time. When his master's son, a Confederate soldier, is captured by the North, Dan cooks up a foolproof rescue plan. Sneaking into the son's tent, Dan blackens the boy's face. The lad escapes, and true-blue Dan (in whiteface?) takes the boy's place before the firing squad.
characteristics
- War
- Love
- Prison
- Plunder
- Pillage
- Raid
- Officer
- Self-sacrifice
- Yankee [Northerner]
- Son
- Servant
- Sentimental
- Master [expert]
- Man-servant
- Escape
