A Lodging for the Night 1912
Pioneering short film *A Lodging for the Night (1912)*, directed by D.W. Griffith, plunges viewers into the gritty atmosphere of a border town where danger lurks behind every shadow.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *A Lodging for the Night (1912)* about?
The film follows Dick Logan, a penniless writer who stumbles into a tense border town where kindness and danger intertwine. After helping a young Mexican girl escape an abusive situation, he becomes the target of two desperate tramps who aim to rob him. His night takes a series of unexpected turns as he seeks safety only to find his troubles follow him home.
Who directed *A Lodging for the Night*?
The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, a titan of early cinema whose innovative techniques shaped the language of modern filmmaking.
Who stars in *A Lodging for the Night*?
The cast features Charles West as Dick Logan, Mary Pickford as the young Mexican girl, and Charles Hill Mailes, Frank Opperman, and W.C. Robinson in supporting roles.
Is *A Lodging for the Night (1912)* worth watching?
While the IMDb rating isn't available, *A Lodging for the Night* offers a compelling glimpse into silent-era storytelling and Griffith's directorial prowess. Its tight 14-minute runtime and dramatic tension make it a rewarding watch for fans of early cinema or anyone drawn to morality tales set against rugged frontier backdrops.
How long is *A Lodging for the Night*?
The short film has a runtime of 14 minutes, perfect for a quick but immersive viewing experience.
About A Lodging for the Night (1912) — The Silent-Era Thriller That Tests Fate on the Frontier
Pioneering short film *A Lodging for the Night (1912)*, directed by D.W. Griffith, plunges viewers into the gritty atmosphere of a border town where danger lurks behind every shadow. The story follows Dick Logan, a struggling writer who finds himself caught between kindness and violence when he intervenes in a domestic dispute involving a young Mexican girl and her abusive uncle. As night falls, Logan's fate intertwines with two desperate tramps who view his fortune as an irresistible target. Set against the stark backdrop of early 20th-century American frontier life, this silent-era drama explores themes of survival, morality, and the fragile thinness of human decency when desperation takes hold.
Griffith's masterful direction, combined with the stellar performances of Charles West and a young Mary Pickford, crafts a tense, atmospheric tale that feels surprisingly modern despite its age. The film's dynamic pacing and emotional depth showcase the storytelling power of early cinema, offering a vivid snapshot of a moment when silent films were rapidly evolving into more complex narratives. *A Lodging for the Night (1912)* isn't just a historical curiosity—it's a testament to Griffith's influence on the craft of filmmaking and a gripping snapshot of life on the edge of lawlessness.