The Oath and the Man Poster

The Oath and the Man 1910

★ 4.52 votes12 min📅 1910-09-21

Directed by the visionary D.W. Griffith, *The Oath and the Man (1910)* is a gripping silent-era drama set against the turbulent backdrop of the French Revolution.

Director: D.W. Griffith

Cast

Henry B. Walthall
Henry B. Walthall
Henri Prevost
Florence Barker
Florence Barker
Madame Prevost
W. Chrystie Miller
W. Chrystie Miller
A Priest
Francis J. Grandon
Francis J. Grandon
A Nobleman
Jack Pickford
Jack Pickford
The Messenger
Marion Leonard
Marion Leonard
Arthur V. Johnson
Arthur V. Johnson
Jeanie Macpherson
Jeanie Macpherson
Aristocrat
George Nichols
George Nichols
Claire McDowell
Claire McDowell
Rebel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Oath and the Man (1910) about?

The film follows a nobleman who steals a perfume merchant's wife just before the French Revolution, unaware the merchant is a key leader of the peasants. A sworn oath to leave vengeance to God forces the perfumer to confront his desire for revenge amid the chaos of revolution.

Who directed The Oath and the Man?

D.W. Griffith, a pioneer of early cinema, directed *The Oath and the Man*. Known for shaping the language of silent film, Griffith's work often explored social and moral dilemmas.

Who stars in The Oath and the Man?

The film features Henry B. Walthall and Florence Barker in the lead roles, with W. Chrystie Miller, Francis J. Grandon, and Jack Pickford among the supporting cast.

Is The Oath and the Man (1910) worth watching?

While short at just 12 minutes, *The Oath and the Man* offers a compelling snapshot of Griffith's storytelling and the dramatic tensions of pre-revolutionary France. Its historical setting and moral themes make it a fascinating watch for silent film enthusiasts.

How long is The Oath and the Man?

*The Oath and the Man* runs for 12 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Oath and the Man (1910) — D.W. Griffith's Silent-Era Drama of Love and Revolution

Directed by the visionary D.W. Griffith, *The Oath and the Man (1910)* is a gripping silent-era drama set against the turbulent backdrop of the French Revolution. The film follows a wealthy nobleman who seizes a perfume merchant's wife on the eve of revolution, unaware that the merchant is secretly leading the peasant uprising against the aristocracy. A solemn oath taken by the perfumer—swearing vengeance to God alone—sets the stage for a tragic clash between personal vendetta and divine justice. Griffith masterfully weaves themes of betrayal, class struggle, and moral conflict into this 12-minute silent classic, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and emotional intensity.

As the Revolution's flames rise, the perfumer's struggle between vengeance and morality becomes a microcosm of a nation tearing itself apart. With its lush historical setting and stark emotional contrasts, *The Oath and the Man* offers a glimpse into early 20th-century filmmaking's power to blend romance and revolution, all while showcasing Griffith's signature storytelling prowess.