The central figure is an old miser, who in parsimonionsness is a Harpahon. And, like Fosene, boarded his money in a secret cellar, where he met his death. We first find him begging on the. street, a young girl passes and drops her purse, which the miser picks up. When she returns to regain it he knocks her insensible and makes off. Finding a generous roll of notes in the purse, he goes to the bank to have them exchanged for gold coin. A couple of thugs witness the transaction and are at once infected by the money fever.
Director: D.W. Griffith
Writer: D.W. Griffith
Stars: Charles Inslee, Harry Solter, George Gebhardt
Genre: Classics, Crime, Drama, Silent film
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🙂 Summary
A tight, early crime drama in which an elderly miser becomes entangled in theft and violence after discovering a stolen purse. His obsession with hoarding money blinds him to danger, pulling him into a chain of escalating consequences typical of D.W. Griffith’s moralistic storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Characters
- Charles Inslee — The Miser
- Harry Solter — The Thief
- Florence Lawrence — The Victim
- George Gebhardt — Pursuer
- Linda Arvidson — Supporting role
🎥 Behind the Camera
Director: D.W. Griffith Writer: D.W. Griffith Studio: Harcourt Productions Notable: One of Griffith’s early experiments with crime morality tales, using tight staging and expressive acting to convey tension. Legacy: A foundational example of silent‑era crime storytelling, showcasing the seeds of Griffith’s later narrative techniques.
✨ Themes & Vibes
- Greed and moral downfall
- Early cinematic crime drama
- Silent‑era intensity
- Consequences of obsession
- Human weakness under pressure
🍿 Popcorn Fact
Florence Lawrence, appearing here in a small role, would soon become the world’s first true “movie star” credited by name.