His Last Burglary 1910
D.W. Griffith's *His Last Burglary* (1910) is a poignant silent-era drama that weaves desperation and moral dilemma into a compact 15-minute narrative.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is His Last Burglary (1910) about?
*His Last Burglary* tells the story of a desperate young couple who abandon their infant in hopes of securing a better life, only to learn too late of their sudden fortune. Their child is unknowingly taken by a grieving burglar who believes he's easing his own wife's sorrow. The film explores the unintended consequences of their actions and the tragic irony that follows.
Who directed His Last Burglary?
*His Last Burglary* was directed by D.W. Griffith, a pioneering figure in early cinema whose work shaped the language of film storytelling.
Who stars in His Last Burglary?
The film features Henry B. Walthall, Dorothy Bernard, and James Kirkwood in key roles, bringing emotional weight to Griffith's compelling narrative.
Is His Last Burglary (1910) worth watching?
As a silent-era short film, *His Last Burglary* offers a glimpse into early cinematic storytelling and Griffith's directorial prowess. Its themes of poverty and moral choice resonate even today, making it a compelling watch for silent film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
How long is His Last Burglary?
*His Last Burglary* runs for 15 minutes.
About His Last Burglary (1910) — A D.W. Griffith Drama of Loss and Redemption
D.W. Griffith's *His Last Burglary* (1910) is a poignant silent-era drama that weaves desperation and moral dilemma into a compact 15-minute narrative. The film follows a struggling young couple who, facing crushing poverty and the inability to care for their infant, make the heart-wrenching decision to abandon their child in a wealthy household. Their act sets off a chain reaction when a grieving burglar, who has just suffered the loss of his own child, breaks into the same home and steals the abandoned baby to console his wife. By the time the couple discovers unexpected fortune, their desperate search for their child proves futile, leaving their fate—and the baby's—hanging in an emotional limbo. Griffith's direction infuses the short with a raw, humanistic tension, exploring themes of poverty, loss, and the fragile boundaries between desperation and redemption.
Capturing the stark contrasts of early 20th-century life, *His Last Burglary* blends social realism with melodrama, delivering a story that lingers long after the credits roll. The film's brevity belies its emotional depth, as it challenges viewers to consider the extremes people face when pushed to the brink.