The Guerrilla 1908
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War, *The Guerrilla (1908)* is a gripping short film directed by D.W. Griffith for the Biograph Company.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Guerrilla (1908) about?
This short film unfolds during the Civil War, where a Confederate soldier adopts the guise of a Union officer to outmaneuver his enemies. The tension escalates as the lines between friend and foe blur in a dangerous game of survival.
Who directed The Guerrilla?
The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, a pioneer of early American cinema known for shaping the language of film storytelling.
Who stars in The Guerrilla?
The cast features Arthur V. Johnson, Harry Solter, and Mack Sennett, each bringing intensity to this wartime drama.
Is The Guerrilla (1908) worth watching?
While short, *The Guerrilla* offers a compelling snapshot of early cinema's storytelling prowess. Its blend of action and wartime intrigue makes it a historically interesting watch for silent film enthusiasts, despite its age.
How long is The Guerrilla?
The film runs for 15 minutes.
About The Guerrilla (1908) — Civil War Drama with D.W. Griffith's Early Mastery
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War, *The Guerrilla (1908)* is a gripping short film directed by D.W. Griffith for the Biograph Company. The story follows a cunning Confederate soldier as he navigates the dangers of wartime deception, only to find himself face-to-face with the enemy dressed in Union blue. What begins as a tense cat-and-mouse game escalates into a high-stakes masquerade, blending action and wartime drama in a mere 15 minutes. Griffith's early cinematic mastery shines through in the film's clever use of disguise and suspense, capturing the era's chaos with striking visuals. The movie's brevity belies its ambitious storytelling, offering a snapshot of Civil War tensions through a single, unforgettable encounter.
The atmosphere crackles with tension, as the film's themes of identity, loyalty, and survival unfold in real time. Arthur V. Johnson delivers a standout performance as the protagonist, while Harry Solter and Mack Sennett round out the cast with sharp, dynamic energy. The film's black-and-white cinematography enhances the gritty realism of its wartime setting, immersing viewers in a bygone era of division and courage. Though a silent-era relic, *The Guerrilla* remains a fascinating glimpse into early American cinema's ability to pack drama into a short runtime.