What Shall We Do with Our Old? 1911
D.W. Griffith's poignant 1911 silent drama *What Shall We Do with Our Old?* unfolds in a quiet, working-class neighborhood where an elderly carpenter faces crushing despair.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is What Shall We Do with Our Old? (1911) about?
This 1911 silent drama follows an elderly carpenter whose life unravels when his wife falls gravely ill and he loses his job due to age discrimination. With no income and dwindling options, he descends into desperation, confronting society's harsh indifference to the elderly.
Who directed What Shall We Do with Our Old? (1911)?
The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, a pioneer of early Hollywood whose work shaped silent cinema and narrative filmmaking.
Who stars in What Shall We Do with Our Old? (1911)?
The film features W. Chrystie Miller as the elderly carpenter, Claire McDowell as his wife, and a supporting cast including Adolph Lestina, George Nichols, and Donald Crisp.
Is What Shall We Do with Our Old? (1911) worth watching?
While short and somber, *What Shall We Do with Our Old?* offers a raw glimpse into early 20th-century social issues through Griffith's lens. Fans of silent films, early cinema history, or poignant dramas will find it compelling despite its brief runtime.
How long is What Shall We Do with Our Old? (1911)?
The film runs for 14 minutes.
About What Shall We Do with Our Old? (1911) — A silent-era drama of despair and resilience
D.W. Griffith's poignant 1911 silent drama *What Shall We Do with Our Old?* unfolds in a quiet, working-class neighborhood where an elderly carpenter faces crushing despair. When a doctor delivers grim news about his wife's illness, the man's fragile world collapses further as an unsympathetic shop foreman dismisses him from his job solely due to his age. With no income and his spouse's health deteriorating, he spirals into desperation, struggling to find meaning or solace in a society that values youth over experience. The film's somber tone and stark realism highlight themes of aging, economic hardship, and the fragility of human dignity in an era of limited social safety nets.
As one of Griffith's early explorations of societal neglect, *What Shall We Do with Our Old?* (1911) blends moral urgency with quiet tragedy. Shot in 1911 and clocking in at just 14 minutes, the short film showcases how silent cinema could convey deep emotional weight through minimal dialogue and expressive performances. Starring W. Chrystie Miller and Claire McDowell, the movie remains a compelling snapshot of early 20th-century America, where hardworking individuals often faced abandonment in their twilight years.