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.
Click to enlarge:
The Curtain Pole
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Mack Sennett kisses Florence Lawrence's hand as her husband looks on in "The Curtain Pole" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Mack-Sennett-and-Florence-Lawrence-in-The-Curtain-Pole-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-2.jpg
Mack Sennett offers his help to Florence Lawrence in "The Curtain Pole" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Mack-Sennett-in-The-Curtain-Pole-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-3.jpg
Mack Sennett is on his way back in "The Curtain Pole" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Florence-Lawrence-and-Arthur-V-Johnson-in-The-Curtain-Pole-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-6a.jpg
Florence Lawrence likes the new pole as Arthur Johnson arrives in "The Curtain Pole" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Florence-Lawrence-and-Arthur-V-Johnson-in-The-Curtain-Pole-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-7.jpg
Florence Lawrence is glad that the pole is fixed as Arthur Johnson and other guests arrive in "The Curtain Pole" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Mack-Sennett-in-The-Curtain-Pole-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-8.jpg
Mack Sennett chews the pole in disgust in "The Curtain Pole" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.