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Her Mother's Oath 1913

17 min📅 1913-06-28

Directed by pioneering filmmaker D.W. Griffith, *Her Mother's Oath* (1913) is a poignant silent-era drama that explores the clash between rigid devotion and personal freedom.

Director: D.W. Griffith

Cast

Jennie Lee
Jennie Lee
The Mother
Dorothy Gish
Dorothy Gish
The Daughter
Henry B. Walthall
Henry B. Walthall
The Actor
Charles Hill Mailes
Charles Hill Mailes
The Minister / Medicine Show Patron
Robert Harron
Robert Harron
The Messenger / Medicine Show Patron / In Church
Adolph Lestina
Adolph Lestina
The Justice of the Peace / In Church
Joseph McDermott
The Delivery Man
Kathleen Butler
The Nursemaid / In Church

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Her Mother's Oath (1913) about?

This early silent drama centers on a young woman whose controlling mother's rigid expectations push her into a rebellious act. After running away with an actor, her desperate wish for her mother's safety takes a dark turn, leading to a dramatic confrontation with faith and destiny.

Who directed Her Mother's Oath?

The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, a titan of early cinema whose work shaped the language of silent films.

Who stars in Her Mother's Oath?

The cast features Jennie Lee, Dorothy Gish, Henry B. Walthall, Charles Hill Mailes, and Robert Harron in key roles.

Is Her Mother's Oath (1913) worth watching?

As a silent-era drama from D.W. Griffith, *Her Mother's Oath* offers a fascinating glimpse into early filmmaking with its emotional depth and moral dilemmas. While not widely rated today, its historical significance and Griffith's storytelling make it a compelling watch for silent film enthusiasts.

How long is Her Mother's Oath?

The film has a runtime of 17 minutes.

About Her Mother's Oath (1913) — A Silent-Era Drama of Love, Rebellion, and Fate

Directed by pioneering filmmaker D.W. Griffith, *Her Mother's Oath* (1913) is a poignant silent-era drama that explores the clash between rigid devotion and personal freedom. Set in the early 20th century, the film follows a young woman whose overbearing mother's unyielding control pushes her toward rebellion. After eloping with an actor—a choice her mother fiercely opposes—the daughter's defiant words carry a haunting consequence, illustrating the dramatic tension between tradition and self-determination. Griffith's signature storytelling weaves moral dilemmas with emotional depth, creating a narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.

With its striking black-and-white visuals and emphasis on familial conflict, *Her Mother's Oath* captures the societal pressures of its time while resonating with universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the cost of control. The film's atmospheric tension builds toward a powerful resolution, leaving audiences to ponder the fine line between devotion and domination. Though brief, its impact lingers, a testament to Griffith's ability to craft compelling drama in just 17 minutes.