The Son's Return (1909)

The Son's Return Poster

A son leaves to seek his fortune in the city. Many years later he returns and checks into his parents' inn. They don't recognize him, but noticing his fat wallet, plan to rob him.

Overview
"The Child's Return" is a 1909 American brief silent drama movie directed by D.W. Griffith, one of the leaders of early movie theater. The movie is a basic narrative revolving around styles of love, guilt, repentance, and the indispensable bond within a household.

Storyline
The movie provides the story of a young man who deals with his parents in rural America. Feeling that he's missing out on life due to his rural presence, he asks his father for some cash to venture out into the world. The dad reluctantly agrees, and the boy leaves home to explore.

His life in the city is filled with experiences, much of them revolving around women, drinking, and gambling. He squanders his cash on these pursuits and falls under disrepair, eventually turning to stealing to money his vices.

Turning Point
The story deviates when the child is caught taking and is gone after through the city. Just as he will be recorded, he escapes and handles to go back to his house. His return is welcomed by his parents, who have been apprehensive about him. They are overjoyed to see their child, uninformed of the trouble he has brought with him.

Climax
Right as he is delighting in the comfort of house, the cops get to the kid's rural house. The dad, stunned and mortified, turn over the child to the police who is eliminated. The moms and dads are left heartbroken, their worst fears recognized.

Resolution
In the end, the kid needs to face the repercussions of his actions, and his parents have to pertain to terms with the harsh realities about their beloved child. Nevertheless, it's here where we see a glimpse of unconditional parental love, with the moms and dads supplying psychological assistance to their wayward boy, regardless of his criminal activities.

Strategies and Style
Griffith's execution of the film's narrative was admired for its performance. He was able to drive a poignant story in such a brief span without utilizing any discussions - something that needed extraordinary ability in the silent movie era. The film also gives glimpses into the naturalistic acting style that became particular of Griffith's later works.

Impact
"The Son's Return" is vital for its insightful representation of familial bonds, the challenges of rural and metropolitan life, and the struggles of youth. It challenges audiences with the extreme truths of a young man's unanticipated experiences in the city and the repercussions of his weak point for vice. Regardless of being over a century old, the styles highlighted within the film continue to resonate with audiences today, rendering it a timeless classic in early film history.

Top Cast

  • Mary Pickford (small)
    Mary Pickford
    Mary
  • Herbert Prior (small)
    Herbert Prior
    The Father
  • Charles West (small)
    Charles West
    Will
  • Anita Hendrie
    The Mother
  • Harry Solter (small)
    Harry Solter
    The Employer
  • Edwin August (small)
    Edwin August
  • Charles Avery (small)
    Charles Avery
    Extra
  • Clara T. Bracy
  • Arthur V. Johnson (small)
    Arthur V. Johnson
    On Stairs / In Bank
  • David Miles
    Neighbor
  • Owen Moore (small)
    Owen Moore
    On Stairs / In Bank