Florence-Lawrence-and-Arthur-V-Johnson-in-The-Curtain-Pole-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-00 

    Florence Lawrence and Arthur Johnson

 

Directed by                       D.W. Griffith
Cinematography by         Billy Bitzer
Starring                             Mack Sennett, Florence Lawrence, Arthur Johnson
Distributed by                   Biograph Company
Release date                      February 15, 1909
Country                             United States
Running time                    8 m.

 

"The Curtain Pole" is a short comedy directed by D.W. Griffith.  The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of three of our stars: actress Florence Lawrence, actor Arthur Johnson and cinematographer Billy Bitzer.

A house party is interrupted when a curtain pole breaks.  The lady of the house (Florence Lawrence) wants to take care of the problem but one of the guests (Mack Sennett) volunteers to run to the hardware store and get a replacement.  On his way back he causes mayhem on every step of the way.  Arthur Johnson plays several small roles, among which are a vegetable vendor and a party guest.

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.

 

 

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