A Beast at Bay backdrop

A Beast at Bay

1912·Drama·13m
7.1
A young woman is quite taken with a man she met; in fact, he is her “ideal”. However, after her new suitor refuses to get mixed up in a street brawl, the young woman views him as a coward. Nearby, a violent convict has escaped from prison. While the couple takes a ride in the woman’s automobile, the criminal ambushes a guard, taking the officer’s clothing and gun. The young woman still argues her suitor is a coward, drops him off, and drives off alone. She is then carjacked by the on-the-lam criminal. The young man witnesses the ambush and sets out to rescue his lover.
Directed by D.W. Griffith
police
ambush
witness
cowardice
lovers
police protection
automobile
black and white
train
criminal
silent film
young love
carjacking
short film
potential suitors
violence
drama
tense
saving
escaped criminal
train stunts

Cast

Mary Pickford
Mary Pickford
The Young Woman
Edwin August
Edwin August
The Young Woman's Ideal
Alfred Paget
Alfred Paget
The Convict
Robert Harron
Robert Harron
A Farmer
Mae Marsh
Mae Marsh
The Young Woman's Friend
William A. Carroll
William A. Carroll
Henry Lehrman
Henry Lehrman
Charles West
Charles West
Christy Cabanne
Christy Cabanne

Crew

D.W. Griffith
D.W. Griffith
Director
Billy Bitzer
Billy Bitzer
Director of Photography

Popular Reviews

1 review
Aaron Lowrey
Aaron Lowrey
A Beast at Bay
Although, I am by no means am expert in film; I'd wager this is one of the first examples of character development in film, which is pretty cool given its silent. A lot of films now can't convey a simple message with all the tools they have at hand yet in 1912 they manage to craft a full narritive with a solid set up, problem solving, character development and a fitting conclusion. This while being devoid of colour and sound, not even a soundtrack!
Although, I am by no means am expert in film; I'd wager this is one of the first examples of character development in film, which is pretty cool given its silent. A lot of films now can't convey a simple message with all the tools they have at hand yet in 1912 they manage to craft a full narritive with a solid set up, problem solving, character development and a fitting conclusion. This while being devoid of colour and sound, not even a soundtrack!
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Pranav Sistla
Pranav Sistla
A Beast at Bay
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