Robert Harron

  • D.W. Griffith – The Burglar’s Dilemma (1912)

    1911-1920CrimeD.W. GriffithSilentThe Birth of CinemaUSA

    In this latter day Cain and Abel story, a jealous brother strikes down his sibling just as a young burglar is about to enter the house. The jealous brother summons police, who then charge the young intruder with murder. How can the burglar prove his innocence?Read More »

  • D.W. Griffith – True Heart Susie (1919)

    1911-1920D.W. GriffithRomanceSilentUSA

    True Heart Susie is one of D.W. Griffith’s “pastoral” films, wherein plot takes second
    place to characterization and romance. Lillian Gish plays Susie May Trueheart, who
    so loves local boy William Jenkins (Robert Harron) that she secretly finances his
    education.
    As it stands, the film’s dramatic and heart-tugging value has not diminished,
    not even after the passage of nearly eighty years.Read More »

  • D.W. Griffith – A Romance of Happy Valley (1919)

    1911-1920D.W. GriffithDramaSilentUSA

    Since much of this film takes place in rural Kentucky, where director D.W. Griffith grew up, it no doubt has many autobiographical touches. Since the setting was so close to his heart, that may be why this simple and winsome picture is one of Griffith’s most charming creations. With complete lack of pretension, it tells the story of John Logan Jr. (Robert Harron), an ambitious young inventor who is determined to be a success. So he heads for the big city to achieve his dream of making a toy frog that actually swims. Not that he hasn’t had opposition — his sweetheart, Jennie Timberlake (Lillian Gish, in a rare showing of her comic ability) and his parents (George Fawcett and Kate Bruce) have done everything they could to make him stay. Although he promises to return in a year’s time, John gets caught up in the temptations of the city, including a flirtation with a spirited young lady (Carol Dempster in her first credited role). Read More »

Back to top button