One Is Business, the Other Crime Poster

One Is Business, the Other Crime 1912

★ 5.810 votes15 min📅 1912-04-24

D.W. Griffith's silent-era drama *One Is Business, the Other Crime* (1912) masterfully weaves together two intertwined stories on a single wedding day.

Director: D.W. Griffith

Cast

Charles West
Charles West
Poor Husband
Dorothy Bernard
Dorothy Bernard
Poor Wife
Edwin August
Edwin August
Rich Husband
Blanche Sweet
Blanche Sweet
Rich Wife
Frank Evans
The Landlord
William A. Carroll
William A. Carroll
The Rich Man's First Foreman
Frank Opperman
Frank Opperman
The Rich Man's Second Foreman
Kate Bruce
Kate Bruce
First Maid
Kate Toncray
Kate Toncray
Second Maid
Robert Harron
Robert Harron
The Delivery Boy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Is Business, the Other Crime (1912) about?

*One Is Business, the Other Crime* follows two couples married on the same day—one wealthy, one poor—whose lives unravel in unexpected ways. As financial hardship drives the poor husband to desperation, a botched burglary reveals a shocking secret about the rich man's bribery scheme, creating a dramatic collision of fate.

Who directed One Is Business, the Other Crime?

The legendary D.W. Griffith directed *One Is Business, the Other Crime* (1912), a silent-era film celebrated for its innovative storytelling and social commentary.

Who stars in One Is Business, the Other Crime?

The film features Charles West, Dorothy Bernard, Edwin August, Blanche Sweet, and Frank Evans in key roles.

Is One Is Business, the Other Crime (1912) worth watching?

As a silent-era drama, *One Is Business, the Other Crime* may not have the polish of modern films, but it offers a fascinating look at early cinematic techniques and Griffiths' storytelling prowess. Its brevity and dramatic twists make it a rewarding watch for silent film enthusiasts.

How long is One Is Business, the Other Crime?

The runtime for *One Is Business, the Other Crime* (1912) is approximately 15 minutes.

About One Is Business, the Other Crime (1912) — D.W. Griffith's Silent Drama of Contrasts and Twists

D.W. Griffith's silent-era drama *One Is Business, the Other Crime* (1912) masterfully weaves together two intertwined stories on a single wedding day. As time unfolds, the contrast between wealth and poverty becomes stark, revealing how desperation can push even the most honorable to the brink. When a struggling man risks everything to provide for his family, his fate collides with the corrupt world of his affluent counterparts in a twist of irony that exposes hidden truths. Griffith's signature intercutting technique heightens the tension, blending social commentary with suspense in just 15 minutes.

The film's atmospheric tension lingers long after the credits roll, as it explores themes of class disparity and moral ambiguity. With a sharp focus on character-driven drama, this early silent classic offers a glimpse into the societal fractures of its time while delivering a gripping narrative that feels surprisingly modern. Whether you're a silent film enthusiast or a newcomer to Griffith's work, *One Is Business, the Other Crime* is a compelling snapshot of early 20th-century storytelling at its finest.