A 1914 silent film about inherited trauma that still punches harder than most Oscar bait.
Remembering the miserable end of his father who had died a drunkard's death, George resolves to conquer the terrible craving he has inherited.
Direction
Raoul Walsh's kinetic camera movement was revolutionary for 1914.
Acting
Physical performances that communicate entire monologues without title cards.
Production
Authentic Bowery locations shot on actual New York streets.
Director
Raoul Walsh
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Owen Kildare's autobiography and stage play, this was one of cinema's earliest 'ripped from real life' adaptations.
Walsh had actual gang members and street people as extras—some hadn't seen a camera before and ran from it.
US
