Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good 1909
Step into the gritty, black-and-white world of early cinema with *Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good* (1909), a short but punchy drama directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good (1909) about?
This 1909 silent short centers on Tim, an out-of-work man who steals a sandwich and clashes with a policeman, only to stumble into a surreal situation when he dons the officer's uniform. A woman later mistakes him for her husband's rescuer, creating a chain of mistaken identities and darkly comedic outcomes.
Who directed Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good?
The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, a pioneer of early cinema whose works shaped silent film storytelling.
Who stars in Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good?
The cast includes Herbert Prior as Tim, Florence Lawrence, Arthur V. Johnson, Marion Leonard, and Charles Inslee.
Is Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good (1909) worth watching?
While it's a short film, its tight storytelling and Griffith's direction make it a compelling watch for fans of silent-era cinema. The drama's themes of desperation and irony are delivered with minimal runtime, offering a snapshot of early filmmaking brilliance.
How long is Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good?
The film has a runtime of 10 minutes.
Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good: A 1909 Silent Drama Short — Full Film Details
Step into the gritty, black-and-white world of early cinema with *Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good* (1909), a short but punchy drama directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith. The story follows Tim, an unemployed man who spirals into petty crime after stealing a sandwich, only to find himself in an unexpected twist when he impersonates a pursuing policeman. The film weaves themes of desperation, misplaced identity, and fleeting luck, all wrapped in Griffith's signature social realism. With a 10-minute runtime, this silent-era gem delivers a tight, dramatic punch, showcasing the raw storytelling power of early filmmaking. The atmosphere is tense yet darkly humorous, as Tim's impulsive actions lead to a bizarre turn of events involving a desperate woman seeking help with her intoxicated husband.
Starring Herbert Prior as Tim and the iconic Florence Lawrence in a pivotal role, this short drama exemplifies the innovative techniques Griffith pioneered during the silent film era. The narrative thrives on irony and fate, with Tim's stolen uniform becoming both his downfall and an unlikely lifeline. Though modest in length, *Tis an Ill Wind That Blows No Good* captures the spirit of early 20th-century cinema—where even a brief story could pack emotional weight and social commentary.