A Convict's Sacrifice (1909)

Thanks to a friend, an ex-convict gets a job. He accidentally kills another worker and goes to prison. Later he escapes, but turns himself in so his friend can claim the reward.

Director:

D.W. Griffith

Writer:

D.W. Griffith

Stars:

James Kirkwood, Henry B. Walthall, Stephanie Longfellow

Cast

Credited cast:
James Kirkwood	...	The Convict
Henry B. Walthall	...	The Convict's Friend
Stephanie Longfellow	...	The Convict's Friend's Wife
Gladys Egan	...	The Child
Anthony O'Sullivan	...	The Workman Who is Killed
Harry Solter	...	The Foreman
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Linda Arvidson
Dorothy Bernard
Arthur V. Johnson	...	Guard / Convict
Owen Moore	...	Workman / Guard / Loiterer
Billy Quirk	...	In Prison Office (as William A. Quirk)
Mack Sennett	...	Workman / Guard
George Siegmann	...	Guard

Storyline

After serving a long time in the penitentiary the convict is released and sent out into the world again; but, like many others, with the brand of Cain still on him. With crushed spirit, bitter against the world he makes his way through the streets, apparently shunned by all; in fact a social leper. However, there is one man who befriends him, and uses his influence to have him employed as a laborer on street construction work. He now begins to feel that life is worthwhile, but the very next day fate's treachery demonstrates itself and hopes are blighted. It occurs in this way: he is forced, through no fault of his own, into a bitter quarrel with one of the workmen, and in self-protection lands a fatal blow with his fist, and he is again seen in the terrible grind of prison life. Clad in stripes he toils at breaking stone, cuffed and dogged by despotic guards until his pent-up fury at last bursts forth and he makes a dash for liberty. Crawling and creeping like a serpent, and hunted ...

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Genres:

Short | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 July 1909 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Biograph Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

11 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

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