Florence-Lawrence-in-The-Song-of-the-Shirt-1908-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-00 

    Florence Lawrence

 

Directed by                       D.W. Griffith
Cinematography by         Billy Bitzer
Based on                            the poem written by Thomas Hood
Starring                             Florence Lawrence, Linda Arvidson
Distributed by                   Biograph Company
Release date                      November 17, 1908
Country                             United States
Running time                    8 m.

 

"The Song of the Shirt" is a short, but poignant social drama directed by D.W. Griffith.  The film is included in our program to illustrate the contributions of our stars Florence Lawrence and cinematographer Billy Bitzer. Arthur Johnson has a small part as a waiter, and Robert Harron appears as a stock boy.

 

A young seamstress desperately looks for work, trying to help her very sick sister.

We trust that silent film lovers will not judge harshly the quality of the print.  Many early D.W. Griffith films are only available in a paper print format, and we are all very lucky that they have survived the trials of time for us to enjoy.

 

 

Click to enlarge:

Florence Lawrence in The Song of the Shirt 1908 director DW Griffith cinematographer Billy Bitzer 11

   Florence Lawrence begs for work