Thou Shalt Not 1910
Thou Shalt Not (1910) stands as a powerful early silent drama directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith. This 16-minute film explores the tragic intersection of love and medical ethics through the story of Laura and Edgar.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thou Shalt Not (1910) about?
Thou Shalt Not follows Laura and Edgar, whose engagement crumbles when Edgar learns he has tuberculosis. A doctor warns that his children could inherit the disease, so Edgar ends the relationship. When Laura threatens suicide, Edgar reluctantly pretends to love another woman to help her move on.
Who directed Thou Shalt Not?
D.W. Griffith directed Thou Shalt Not, showcasing his early work before becoming a pioneering force in American cinema.
Who stars in Thou Shalt Not?
The film stars Henry B. Walthall, Marion Leonard, and Kathlyn Williams in leading roles.
Is Thou Shalt Not (1910) worth watching?
At just 16 minutes, this unrated silent film offers historical value for early cinema enthusiasts. Its themes of medical ethics and tragic romance provide insight into early 20th-century social attitudes, making it worthwhile for those interested in film history.
How long is Thou Shalt Not?
Thou Shalt Not runs for 16 minutes.
About Thou Shalt Not (1910) — A Silent Drama of Love and Sacrifice
Thou Shalt Not (1910) stands as a powerful early silent drama directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith. This 16-minute film explores the tragic intersection of love and medical ethics through the story of Laura and Edgar. When Edgar discovers he carries tuberculosis, a doctor warns him that his condition could be passed to future children. Despite calling off their engagement, Laura's desperate love drives her to threaten suicide, leading to a heart-wrenching resolution where Edgar must pretend to court another woman to free her from devotion.
The film features compelling performances from Henry B. Walthall, Marion Leonard, and Kathlyn Williams, bringing emotional depth to this moral dilemma. Though the genre classification is unknown, the themes of sacrifice, illness, and forbidden love create a melancholic atmosphere typical of early 20th century melodrama. Griffith's direction demonstrates the emerging sophistication of narrative filmmaking during cinema's formative years.
This historic short film offers valuable insight into early American cinema and the social attitudes toward disease and marriage in the 1910s. While unrated by IMDb, Thou Shalt Not (1910) remains significant for its portrayal of medical ethics and the human cost of protecting loved ones from harm.