Tol'able David (1921)

When three thuggish men are responsible for the death of his father and the crippling of his brother, young David must choose between supporting his family or risking his life and exacting vengeance.

Director:

Henry King

Writers:

Joseph Hergesheimer (novel), Edmund Goulding,

Stars:

Richard Barthelmess, Gladys Hulette, Walter P. Lewis

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview:
Richard Barthelmess	...	David Kinemon
Gladys Hulette	...	Esther Hatburn
Walter P. Lewis	...	Iscah Hatburn
Ernest Torrence	...	Luke Hatburn
Ralph Yearsley	...	Saul 'Little Buzzard' Hatburn
Forrest Robinson	...	Grandpa Hatburn
Laurence Eddinger	...	Sen. John Gault
Edmund Gurney	...	Hunter Kinemon
Warner Richmond	...	Allen Kinemon
Marion Abbott	...	Mother Kinemon
Patterson Dial	...	Rose Kinemon
Henry Hallam	...	The Doctor
Lassie	...	Lassie (a dog)

Storyline

When three thuggish men are responsible for the death of his father and the crippling of his brother, young David must choose between supporting his family or risking his life and exacting vengeance.

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Plot Keywords:

shooting | death | assault | americana | animal killing | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Release Date:

31 December 1921 (USA)

Also Known As:

David l'endurant

Filming Locations:

Blue Grass, Virginia, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Inspiration Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min 80 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in The Tingler (1959)

User Reviews

Fine, if troubling, silent classic

In many ways this silent classic reminded me of what I liked-- and didn't like-- about a much more recent film, Sling Blade. Both are sensitively observed movies that not only depict but genuinely seem to embody the simpler rhythms of country life. And both ultimately end in a way that may satisfy an audience's bloodlust-- but left me somewhat dismayed that the story had taken that turn. (The violence makes the movie seem much more modern than most films of its time.) That said, there's no denying that this was one of the most accomplished movies of its time; Barthelmess's portrait of eager juvenility is beautifully observed and completely charming, and King's handling is quite sophisticated in the way it tells a story through the eyes of a character who is really secondary to the action through the first half or so.