Watch His Trust
- NR
- 1911
- 14 min
-
5.1 (661)
His Trust is a classic silent movie released in 1911, directed by D.W. Griffith and starring Wilfred Lucas, Dell Henderson, and Claire McDowell. The story focuses on the theme of trust and betrayal, and depicts the relationship between a wealthy businessman and his loyal employee. The movie opens with a scene of the businessman, played by Wilfred Lucas, preparing to leave for a trip. He gives a valuable necklace to his trusted employee, played by Dell Henderson, for safekeeping, with strict instructions not to let it out of his sight. The employee accepts the responsibility, and the businessman departs.
Soon after, the employee's son, played by Bobby Harron, visits him at the office with a request for financial aid. The employee, feeling obliged to help his son, takes the necklace to a pawn shop to sell it. The pawnbroker, played by Frank Powell, takes notice of the necklace, becomes suspicious, and has the police summoned. The employee is arrested and charged with theft.
Meanwhile, the businessman returns and is informed of the theft. He expresses disbelief and shock, and launches an investigation into the matter. As the investigation progresses, evidence against the employee mounts, and his guilt seems certain.
However, the truth eventually comes to light, revealing that the employee's son was the actual thief. The employee is released, and the businessman extends his trust and forgiveness to him. The movie ends with a poignant scene where the businessman and the employee reaffirm their trust in each other.
One of the remarkable aspects of His Trust is its use of close-ups and other cinematic techniques, which were innovative for their time. D.W. Griffith, who is considered a pioneer of American cinema, skillfully uses camera angles and editing to convey the emotions of the characters without relying on dialogue.
The acting performances of the cast are also noteworthy. Wilfred Lucas, who plays the businessman, portrays his character with nuance and sensitivity. Dell Henderson, as the employee, conveys his character's loyalty and moral dilemma with sincerity. Claire McDowell, who plays the wife of the businessman, delivers a powerful performance in her brief appearance.
The movie's message of trust, forgiveness, and redemption is timeless and remains relevant today. The movie is also notable for its depiction of the social and economic class divide prevalent in American society at the time. Griffith's portrayal of the businessman's wealth and the employee's poverty highlights the uneven distribution of resources and opportunities, a theme that remains relevant today.
In conclusion, His Trust is a classic movie that deserves recognition for its technical and artistic achievements. With its captivating story, compelling performances, and timeless themes, it remains a timeless cinematic masterpiece.