The Good-for-Nothing Poster

The Good-for-Nothing 1914

★ 5.01 votes16 min📅 1914-06-08

Dive into the stark drama of *The Good-for-Nothing (1914)*, a silent-era Western directed by Gilbert M. Anderson that explores the consequences of self-destruction and familial betrayal.

Director: Gilbert M. Anderson

Cast

Gilbert M. Anderson
Gilbert M. Anderson
Gilbert Sterling
Lee Willard
Lee Willard
Ralph Sterling
Elsa Lorimer
Gertrude Chapin
Carl Stockdale
Carl Stockdale
John Sterling
Evelyn Selbie
Evelyn Selbie
Mrs. Sterling
Victor Potel
Victor Potel
Old Clerk
Emory Johnson
Emory Johnson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Good-for-Nothing (1914) about?

This 1914 silent Western follows Gilbert Sterling, a privileged heir whose self-destructive lifestyle alienates him from his family and future. When a drunken night out leads to a devastating confrontation with his father, Gilbert is banished—forced to confront the emptiness of his choices.

Who directed The Good-for-Nothing?

The film was directed by Gilbert M. Anderson, a legendary figure in early cinema known for his work in silent films.

Who stars in The Good-for-Nothing?

The film features Gilbert M. Anderson, Lee Willard, Elsa Lorimer, Carl Stockdale, and Evelyn Selbie in key roles.

Is The Good-for-Nothing (1914) worth watching?

As a silent-era Western drama, *The Good-for-Nothing* offers a glimpse into early filmmaking with a compelling narrative of fall and consequence. While it lacks modern production polish, its themes and historical significance may appeal to fans of classic cinema and silent film enthusiasts.

How long is The Good-for-Nothing?

The runtime for *The Good-for-Nothing (1914)* is 16 minutes.

About The Good-for-Nothing (1914) — A Silent-Era Drama of Recklessness and Redemption

Dive into the stark drama of *The Good-for-Nothing (1914)*, a silent-era Western directed by Gilbert M. Anderson that explores the consequences of self-destruction and familial betrayal. This 16-minute short film follows Gilbert Sterling, a prodigal heir to his father's firm, whose reckless pursuit of pleasure and nightlife leads to his inevitable downfall. When a drunken night out lands him on his father's doorstep, a bitter confrontation ends with Gilbert cast out—stripped of his name, his future, and the life he once took for granted. The story unfolds with raw emotion, contrasting the opulence of Gilbert's past with the harsh reality of his choices, all set against the rugged backdrop of the Old West.

Gilbert M. Anderson, a pioneer of early cinema and star of countless silent films, crafts a poignant tale of redemption's lost opportunity. With a talented cast including Lee Willard, Elsa Lorimer, and Carl Stockdale, this short drama captures the tension between legacy and self-destruction. *The Good-for-Nothing (1914)* isn't just a Western—it's a cautionary tale about the price of squandered potential and the irreversible fractures in family bonds.