"Nursing a Viper" (1909) - hidden gem
Arthur Johnson
Directed by D.W. Griffith
Cinematography by Billy Bitzer
Starring Arthur Johnson, Marion Leonard, Frank Powell
Distributed by Biograph Company
Release date November 4, 1909
Country United States
Running time 11 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.
"Nursing a Viper" is a short drama directed by D.W. Griffith. The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of two of our stars: actor Arthur V. Johnson and cinematographer Billy Bitzer. Florence Lawrence also gets credit, but it is difficult to spot her.
During the French Revolution Arthur Johnson gives refuge to a man fleeing the mobs. Subsequently the man repays him by attacking his wife Marion Leonard. How will Arthur Johnson deal with the viper?
Click to enlarge:
Nursing a Viper
Arthur-V-Johnson-in-Nursing-a-Viper-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-10.jpg
Arthur V. Johnson talks to his wife in "Nursing a Viper" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Arthur-V-Johnson-and-Marion-Leonard-in-Nursing-a-Viper-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-12.jpg
Arthur V. Johnson and Marion Leonard prepare for a quiet evening in "Nursing a Viper" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Arthur-V-Johnson-and-Marion-Leonard-and-Frank-Powell-in-Nursing-a-Viper-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-14.jpg
Arthur V. Johnson and Marion Leonard look on as a man pleads for refuge in "Nursing a Viper" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Arthur-V-Johnson-and-Marion-Leonard-in-Nursing-a-Viper-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-16.jpg
Arthur V. Johnson comforts Marion Leonard as the mobs ransack their home in "Nursing a Viper" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Arthur-V-Johnson-and-Marion-Leonard-in-Nursing-a-Viper-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-19.jpg
Arthur V. Johnson confronts the visitor for attacking his wife in "Nursing a Viper" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Arthur-V-Johnson-and-Marion-Leonard-and-Frank-Powell-in-Nursing-a-Viper-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-21.jpg
Arthur V. Johnson has had enough of Frank Powell in "Nursing a Viper" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Arthur-V-Johnson-and-Marion-Leonard-in-Nursing-a-Viper-1909-director-DW-Griffith-cinematographer-Billy-Bitzer-20.jpg
Arthur V. Johnson confronts the visitor for attacking his wife in "Nursing a Viper" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer. This image is the basis for the poster.
Arthur-V-Johnson-and-Marion-Leonard-in-Nursing-a-Viper-1909-poster.jpg
Arthur V. Johnson confronts the visitor for attacking his wife in "Nursing a Viper" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer - a poster.
Arthur Johnson reacts when his guest makes advances to his wife
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Below is a short preview of the film.