A Salutary Lesson 1910
Directed by the pioneering silent-era filmmaker D.W. Griffith, *A Salutary Lesson (1910)* is a brief but gripping drama set against the sunlit backdrop of a beach resort. The story unfolds when Mr. and Mrs.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Salutary Lesson (1910) about?
This early silent short follows a family's day at the beach, where their distraction leads to a young girl being left unattended. Her wandering takes a dangerous turn when she falls asleep near the water as the tide rolls in, forcing her parents to confront the gravity of their oversight.
Who directed A Salutary Lesson?
The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, a titan of early cinema known for shaping narrative filmmaking and pioneering techniques still used today.
Who stars in A Salutary Lesson?
The cast includes Charles West, Stephanie Longfellow, Gladys Egan, Jeanie Macpherson, and Charles Craig, with Vivian Prescott in a supporting role.
Is A Salutary Lesson (1910) worth watching?
Though brief, *A Salutary Lesson* offers a compelling glimpse into Griffith's directorial style and the storytelling power of silent cinema. Its themes of family responsibility resonate even today, making it a curious watch for fans of early film history and classic drama.
How long is A Salutary Lesson?
The film runs for 17 minutes, a concise runtime typical of early silent shorts.
About A Salutary Lesson (1910) — A D.W. Griffith Drama of Neglect and Nature's Wrath
Directed by the pioneering silent-era filmmaker D.W. Griffith, *A Salutary Lesson (1910)* is a brief but gripping drama set against the sunlit backdrop of a beach resort. The story unfolds when Mr. and Mrs. Randall, more interested in their own diversions than their young daughter, leave her unattended. While Mr. Randall is distracted by a flirtatious stranger and Mrs. Randall entertains a local minister, their daughter wanders off and falls asleep on a seaside rock—only to be caught unaware by the rising tide. As panic sets in, their frantic search reveals the harsh consequences of neglect in a tale that blends family drama with the raw power of nature.
Griffith's sharp storytelling and the film's tight 17-minute runtime create a suspenseful atmosphere, exploring themes of parental responsibility and the fragility of childhood. The performances by Charles West, Stephanie Longfellow, and young Gladys Egan ground the narrative in emotional realism, making *A Salutary Lesson* a poignant snapshot of early cinema's ability to convey deep human truths in minimal time.