A Cry for Help 1912
Directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith, *A Cry for Help* (1912) is a gripping silent-era drama that weaves a suspenseful tale of chance encounters and life-or-death rescues.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Cry for Help (1912) about?
The film follows a down-on-his-luck tramp who, after being struck by a car, stumbles into a doctor's home just as a grief-stricken widower plans to kill the physician. The tramp's presence becomes a lifeline in a ticking-time scenario where every second counts. It's a story of irony, second chances, and the unlikeliest of heroes stepping up in a moment of crisis.
Who directed A Cry for Help?
The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, a pioneering filmmaker whose innovative techniques shaped the early days of cinema.
Who stars in A Cry for Help?
The movie features standout performances from Lionel Barrymore, Lillian Gish, Walter Miller, Harry Carey, and Claire McDowell.
Is A Cry for Help (1912) worth watching?
As a silent-era drama, *A Cry for Help* may not be for everyone, but Griffith's storytelling prowess and the film's intense, compact narrative make it a compelling watch for fans of early cinema. Its themes of fate and heroism remain timeless, even over a century later.
How long is A Cry for Help?
The film runs for 17 minutes.
About A Cry for Help (1912) — D.W. Griffith's Silent Drama of Fate and Redemption
Directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith, *A Cry for Help* (1912) is a gripping silent-era drama that weaves a suspenseful tale of chance encounters and life-or-death rescues. The story unfolds when a drunken tramp, accidentally hit by a car, is taken in by a kind-hearted doctor for treatment. Unbeknownst to the tramp, disaster looms as a grieving widower, consumed by rage over his wife's recent loss, arrives at the doctor's home with violent intentions. The tension escalates as the tramp unwittingly becomes the doctor's only hope, only to face resistance from both the assailant and a skeptical policeman. The film's stark black-and-white cinematography and Griffith's masterful pacing create an atmosphere of urgency and moral urgency, where every decision could mean the difference between tragedy and salvation.
At its core, *A Cry for Help* explores themes of human fragility, the unpredictability of fate, and the quiet heroism found in unexpected places. The 17-minute runtime may be short, but it packs a punch with intense moments and a surprisingly emotional payoff. Griffith's direction ensures the story unfolds with cinematic precision, while the performances by Lionel Barrymore, Lillian Gish, and Walter Miller ground the drama in raw, relatable humanity.