Robert-Harron-in-The-Boy-Detective-1908-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-00 

   Robert Harron and the newspaper boy, who will become the boy detective



Directed by                       Wallace McCutcheon
Cinematography by         Billy Bitzer
Starring                             unknown (the newspaper boy), Robert Harron (the messenger boy), Edward Dillon
Distributed by                   Biograph Company
Release date                      March 11, 1908
Country                             United States
Running time                    5 m.

 

This film is part of our series 'Hidden Gems'. It can be watched by registered users who make a donation. For more details, please click here.


"The Boy Detective, or The Abductors Foiled" is a short crime drama.  The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of our stars Robert Harron and Billy Bitzer.

This is the earliest surviving film with Robert Harron that we have. He was one month short of 15 y.o. Robert Harron plays the messenger boy, as was often the case in his first roles. Thus, we can glance at the humble beginning of his illustrious career, which would take him to star roles in such masterpieces as "Intolerance" (1916) and "True Heart Susie" (1919), to mention just a couple.

We trust that silent film lovers will not judge harshly the quality of the print.  Many early 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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Below is a short preview of the film.