A Centenary of 'Suvarna of Siam'

In 1923, American film producer Henry MacRae set out from the US to look for exotic locales to make movies. He arrived in Siam -- what Thailand was known then -- and decided to shoot a film here with Thai cast complete with Thai culture and attractions.

The first film projection in Siam took place in 1897, but film production was still a new endeavor. There had never been a feature film made locally and professional actors were non-existent.

MacRae made a casting call in newspapers and recruited actors from the Royal Troupe.

Suvarna, the beautiful of daughter of a nobleman, falls from a motorboat in a water accident. She is rescued by a ferryman called Klaharn. From there, their love blossoms. 

But their different social class is a thorn in their romantic destiny. Suvarna's wealthy family rejects the lowborn Klaharn. They also want their daughter to marry a gentleman, Kongkaew, of the same social standing.

Kongkaew tricks Klaharn to go to Chaing Mai and frames him in a crime. Klaharn is sentenced to death. But Suvarna arrives just in time to save him. It is revealed that Klaharn is the heir of a Chiang Mai nobleman. His love for Suvarna is thus fulfilled.