A Terrible Discovery Poster

A Terrible Discovery 1911

20 min📅 1911-12-21

Step into the tense world of early 1910s cinema with *A Terrible Discovery (1911)*, a gripping silent short directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith.

Director: D.W. Griffith

Cast

Edna Foster
Edna Foster
The District Attorney's Son
Wilfred Lucas
Wilfred Lucas
The District Attorney
Kate Bruce
Kate Bruce
The Housekeeper
Charles West
Charles West
A Thug
Charles Hill Mailes
Charles Hill Mailes
Dick

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Terrible Discovery (1911) about?

*A Terrible Discovery* follows a man driven by rage as he sets out to punish the district attorney responsible for his brother's wrongful conviction. The film delves into themes of justice, retribution, and the personal toll of obsession, all unfolding in a tense, morality-driven narrative typical of early silent cinema.

Who directed A Terrible Discovery?

D.W. Griffith, the pioneering American director known for shaping early silent film techniques and storytelling, directed *A Terrible Discovery*.

Who stars in A Terrible Discovery?

The film features Edna Foster, Wilfred Lucas, Kate Bruce, Charles West, and Charles Hill Mailes in key roles.

Is A Terrible Discovery (1911) worth watching?

While only fragments of *A Terrible Discovery* survive, its historical significance as an early D.W. Griffith film and its gripping themes of vengeance make it a fascinating watch for silent film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

How long is A Terrible Discovery?

*A Terrible Discovery* has a runtime of approximately 20 minutes.

About A Terrible Discovery (1911) — D.W. Griffith's Early Silent Short on Revenge and Justice

Step into the tense world of early 1910s cinema with *A Terrible Discovery (1911)*, a gripping silent short directed by the legendary D.W. Griffith. The story unfolds around a man consumed by vengeance, plotting to exact brutal payback against the district attorney who ruined his brother's life through a wrongful conviction. With its atmospheric tension and moral complexities, this 20-minute film explores the destructive power of obsession and the blurred lines between justice and revenge. Though long lost to time, its themes resonate deeply in tales of retribution and the human cost of unchecked anger.

Featuring a cast led by Edna Foster, Wilfred Lucas, and Kate Bruce, *A Terrible Discovery* showcases Griffith's knack for dramatic storytelling and emotional intensity. The silent-era film relies heavily on visual storytelling, with dramatic performances and stark cinematography that immerse viewers in its morally charged narrative. While the full film survives only in fragments, its legacy as a fascinating glimpse into early American cinema and Griffith's innovative direction remains intact.