Mack-Sennett-and-Arthur-V-Johnson-in-Politicians-Love-Story-1909-director-DW-Griffith-00

   Arthur Johnson strolls with his lady as Mack Sennett looks on

 

Directed by                       D.W. Griffith
Cinematography by         Billy Bitzer, Arthur Marvin
Starring                             Mack Sennett, Marion Leonard, Arthur V. Johnson
Distributed by                   Biograph Company
Release date                      February 22, 1909
Country                             United States
Running time                    7 m.

 

"Politician's Love Story" is a short comedy directed by D.W. Griffith.  The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of two of our stars: actor Arthur Johnson and cinematographer Billy Bitzer.  Florence Lawrence also gets a credit for the film, but it is difficult to spot her.  We did see and took a picture of D.W. Griffith as he makes a little acting appearance in addition to the director's job.

 

A certain politician (Mack Sennett) is outraged when he sees a cartoon of himself in the newspaper.  He decides to take revenge and shoot the cartoonist.  However, when he bursts into the newspaper offices and finally locates the author, he gets a big surprise.

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: