An early film sensation, Dahlonega has been rediscovered. Come here and find out why!
Prior to 1920, five silent feature films included shots of the our gold mine community and environs. These included one of Fox Films first productions, "The Plunderer", and the first full length Frankenstein movie, “Life Without a Soul”. Unfortunately, these early efforts have been lost to time. Fortunately, the place still remains!
Based on the 1912 novel by Roy Norton, "The Plunderer" was the first film produced in Dahlonega, Georgia. In the film Bill Matthews and Dick Townsend head west to take charge of the Croix D’Or (Cross of Gold) Mine, which Dick has recently inherited from his deceased father. Upon their arrival, they discover that squatters have been attempting to take control of the Croix D’Or.
Unknown to everyone, the owner of the adjacent “Rattler” mine, Bull Presby, has been secretly tunneling under the Croix D’Or, and plundering the rich gold bearing ore for himself. Presby has also been promoting a strike among the miners as one of his schemes to take over the Croix D’Or.
Meanwhile, Dick falls in love with Joan, the daughter of “Bull” Presby. After discovering her father’s underhanded plans, Joan eventually forces him to confess his plundering, refund the money and leave the Croix D’Or owners in peace.
Special thanks to the The Lumpkin County Historical Society for providing historical content and pictures. Visit them online to LEARN MORE!
"Christmas in Homestead"
For three weeks Downtown Dahlonega was wrapped in fake snow blankets and dressed with large ornaments, garland and bows for the filming of a Hallmark movie, "Christmas in Homestead." The movie features Taylor Cole (The Originals), Michael Rady (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), Michael Nardelli (Revenge) and is based on a famous actress going on location to shoot a holiday themed film in the Christmas - obsessed town of Homestead, Iowa.
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