The Mother and the Law 1919
D.W. Griffith's *The Mother and the Law* (1919) strips away the grandeur of his earlier epic *Intolerance* to deliver a raw, intimate portrait of struggle in early 20th-century America.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Mother and the Law* (1919) about?
The film follows a working-class family's desperate struggle against industrial exploitation and moral hypocrisy in early 20th-century America. Their fight for survival highlights the tensions between workers and capitalists, revealing how societal prejudices and economic inequality can destroy lives.
Who directed *The Mother and the Law*?
D.W. Griffith directed *The Mother and the Law*, a filmmaker known for pioneering epic storytelling techniques in silent cinema.
Who stars in *The Mother and the Law*?
The film stars Mae Marsh, Robert Harron, Miriam Cooper, Vera Lewis, and Sam De Grasse in lead roles.
Is *The Mother and the Law* (1919) worth watching?
While *The Mother and the Law* lacks a modern rating, its historical significance as a silent-era drama and Griffith's bold social commentary make it a compelling watch for fans of classic cinema. The film's emotional depth and stark realism offer a window into early 20th-century struggles that resonate today.
How long is *The Mother and the Law*?
The film has a runtime of 99 minutes.
About The Mother and the Law (1919) — D.W. Griffith's raw, socially charged silent drama
D.W. Griffith's *The Mother and the Law* (1919) strips away the grandeur of his earlier epic *Intolerance* to deliver a raw, intimate portrait of struggle in early 20th-century America. This dramatic re-edit refocuses on the plight of ordinary people caught in the crossfire of industrial greed, social hypocrisy, and labor unrest. With stark realism and emotional depth, Griffith weaves a tale of survival where a working-class family's fight against exploitation exposes the cracks in a society valuing morality over justice. The film's atmosphere is tense, underscored by moral dilemmas and urgent social commentary that feels eerily timeless.
Mae Marsh and Robert Harron lead the cast, delivering performances steeped in vulnerability and resilience as characters navigating a world stacked against them. The narrative thrives on contrasts—between the ruthless elite and the downtrodden, between rigid moral codes and human desperation—crafting a story that's as much about defiance as it is about despair. *The Mother and the Law* isn't just a silent-era drama; it's a poignant reflection on power, poverty, and the cost of progress.