Robert Harron, Billy Bitzer, Wallace McCutcheon, silent film, silent movie stars, free classic film, old movies, silent film streaming, silent era, archive films, rare films, silent drama

   Robert Harron and Marion Leonard

Directed by                       Wallace McCutcheon
Cinematography by        Billy Bitzer, Arthur Marvin
Starring                             Marion Leonard, D.W. Griffith, Edward Dillon, Florence Auer, Robert Harron
Distributed by                   Biograph Company
Release date                      July 3, 1908
Country                             United States
Running time                    9 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.

"Crossroads of Life" is a short drama.  The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of our stars Billy Bitzer and Robert Harron.

A woman's stage success is bitter-sweet because of her quarrel with her father. The film is notable for the acting performance of D.W. Griffith as the suitor.

Attention please.

Registration and donation are required to watch the films part of the series 'Hidden Gems'. Please complete the steps in the article 'Gems for Donation' before proceeding.

Registered users who made the required donation please click here to watch this gem.

Below is a short preview of the film.

   Robert Harron is seen behind the dancer

Directed by                       Wallace McCutcheon
Cinematography by        Billy Bitzer
Starring                             D.W. Griffith, Robert Harron
Distributed by                   Biograph Company
Release date                      March 13, 1908
Country                             United States
Running time                    6 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.

"Her First Adventure" is a short crime drama.  The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of our star Billy Bitzer.  A very young Robert Harron appears as an extra in the crowd.

A little girl strays away from home, attracted by street performers. As they move on, so does the girl. Upon discovering her absence the father starts a chase led by the family dog.

The film is notable for two facts: first, for the acting performance of D.W. Griffith as the father, and second, for being the earliest film with the Biograph "AB" logo, posted on the piano, to discourage film piracy.

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.

Click to enlarge: {imageshow sl=225 sc=3 /}

Attention please.

Registration and donation are required to watch the films part of the series 'Hidden Gems'. Please complete the steps in the article 'Gems for Donation' before proceeding.

Registered users who made the required donation please click here to watch this gem.

Below is a short preview of the film.

   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.

Click to enlarge: {imageshow sl=218 sc=3 /}

Attention please.

Registration and donation are required to watch the films part of the series 'Hidden Gems'. Please complete the steps in the article 'Gems for Donation' before proceeding.

Registered users who made the required donation please click here to watch this gem.

Below is a short preview of the film.