A Misappropriated Turkey 1913
Directed by silent-film pioneer D.W. Griffith, *A Misappropriated Turkey* (1913) is a sharp early drama that blends workplace strife with dark humor and unexpected twists.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Cast






Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Misappropriated Turkey (1913) about?
The film follows Lang, a disgruntled factory worker whose mind is poisoned by lies, leading him to plot murder against his employer using a turkey stuffed with an infernal device. By chance, the turkey ends up on a loving family's table, turning a tale of vengeance into a story of irony and redemption.
Who directed A Misappropriated Turkey?
D.W. Griffith, a pioneering figure in early cinema, directed *A Misappropriated Turkey*. Known for his innovative storytelling and controversial themes, Griffith's work laid the foundation for modern filmmaking.
Who stars in A Misappropriated Turkey?
The film features Charles West, Claire McDowell, Edna Foster, Harry Carey, and Robert Harron among its cast.
Is A Misappropriated Turkey (1913) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *A Misappropriated Turkey* offers a fascinating glimpse into silent-era cinema with Griffith's signature blend of drama and dark humor. Its short runtime and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling watch for fans of early film history.
How long is A Misappropriated Turkey?
The film runs for 17 minutes.
About A Misappropriated Turkey (1913) — Silent-Era Drama with a Darkly Comic Twist
Directed by silent-film pioneer D.W. Griffith, *A Misappropriated Turkey* (1913) is a sharp early drama that blends workplace strife with dark humor and unexpected twists. The story follows Lang, a factory worker whose mind becomes warped by lies, leading him to plot against the ironworks owner—an audacious scheme involving a turkey stuffed with a infernal device. When the turkey mysteriously ends up on a modest family's table, the film takes a turn toward poignant irony, exploring themes of justice, deception, and the fragility of human dignity. With its 17-minute runtime packed with suspense and social commentary, Griffith's short film offers a snapshot of early 20th-century filmmaking while delivering a morally charged narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
Set against the backdrop of industrial-era labor tensions, *A Misappropriated Turkey* showcases Griffith's knack for blending drama with dark comedy, all while delivering a biting critique of exploitation and misplaced vengeance. The film's atmosphere oscillates between tension and warmth, culminating in a twist that underscores the absurdity of greed and the redemptive power of love over material scarcity.