Old King Coal 1916
"A Gripping Episode of the Methods Used by the Coal Trust to Keep Up the Price of this Necessary Commodity."
Directed by George Lessey, *Old King Coal (1916)* plunges viewers into the raw, high-stakes world of early 20th-century coal country, where corporate greed and labor strikes collide.
Director: George Lessey
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Old King Coal (1916) about?
*Old King Coal (1916)* follows Dorothy Maxwell and Kitty Rockford as they journey into a volatile coal country to aid a man targeted by a powerful trust. Their mission leads them into a dangerous world of labor strikes, corporate sabotage, and moral dilemmas, all unfolding against the backdrop of early 20th-century industry.
Who directed Old King Coal?
*Old King Coal* was directed by George Lessey, a filmmaker known for crafting compelling silent-era dramas with social themes.
Who stars in Old King Coal?
The film features Harry Carey, Jane Novak, Glen White, Mina Cunard, and Hector V. Sarno in prominent roles, with Nanine Wright rounding out the ensemble.
Is Old King Coal (1916) worth watching?
Though unrated, *Old King Coal (1916)* offers a gripping glimpse into silent-era storytelling and early cinema's take on labor struggles. Its tight runtime and dramatic intensity make it a standout in adventure films of the period, though it may appeal most to enthusiasts of classic cinema or silent-era thrillers.
How long is Old King Coal?
*Old King Coal* runs approximately 20 minutes.
About Old King Coal (1916) — A 1916 Drama of Coal Trusts, Strikes, and Silent-Era Action
Directed by George Lessey, *Old King Coal (1916)* plunges viewers into the raw, high-stakes world of early 20th-century coal country, where corporate greed and labor strikes collide. This silent-era drama weaves adventure with social tension, following Dorothy Maxwell and Kitty Rockford as they defy danger to support Tom Larnigan—a move that pits them against the ruthless Coal Trust. The film's gritty atmosphere crackles with suspense as betrayal and courage intertwine, capturing the era's labor unrest with a story that feels both timeless and historically charged. With a runtime under 20 minutes, it's a tight, dramatic snapshot of power, resistance, and solidarity.
At its core, *Old King Coal (1916)* explores the moral battles waged beneath the surface of industry, where coal barons like Weisner stop at nothing to maintain control. The film's themes of justice and solidarity resonate just as powerfully today, framed by stark visuals that evoke the coal country's harsh realities. Harry Carey and Jane Novak anchor the cast with performances steeped in tension, while Glen White and Mina Cunard round out a story that's equal parts thriller and social commentary.