The original theatrical release was in June 1917 and it was billed as a "Super Feature" it was 8 reels long (which means there was room for more kitchen sinks).

The Wharton Brothers well known for producing serial films produced this "episodic" film in and around the Finger lakes region of NY State.

It was "An Epic of the Artic" that showed the riggers of life on "The Great White Trail."

After the premiere showing of the film it was immediately cut to 7 reels, and then to 6 reels and finally to the version that was shown at the 2009 cinesation the 5 reel offering.

It's working title was "A Tragedy of the Snows"

Having never seen the 8 , 7, 0r 6 reel versions, I can tell you it was cut because of the great number of mushing shots, snow shoeing, sled riding, pretty pictures and the many snow scenes. That being said the photography, double exposures and tinting work done on the film were utilized effectively.

The films of the silent era were pioneering efforts in a new form of entertainment and very few good examples of that work exist.

Still, taken in the right spirit the film is a deftly handled, unpretentious, fun effort. Oh boy, and its available on DVD.