Biograph Shorts (2002)

This enjoyable collection showcases the diverse styles of films that director D.W. Griffith made for Biograph in the early days of cinema. There's the comedy of THOSE AWFUL HATS, the suspenseful action of AN UNSEEN ENEMY, THE LONEDALE OPERATOR and THE LONELY VILLA, and the social commentary of THE NEW YORK HAT. THE MUSKETEERS OF PIG ALLEY is an early look at gangsters and New York tenement life, while THE YAQUI CUR--one of the last films Griffith made for Biograph--is a Native American drama starring Kate Bruce, Lionel Barrymore, and Robert Harron. Other fine and recognizable actors in these films include Dorothy and Lillian Gish (who make their starring debuts in AN UNSEEN ENEMY), Mary Pickford, Mae Marsh, Mack Sennett, Blanche Sweet, Donald Crisp, and "the Biograph Girl," Florence Lawrence.Containing over 15 films recorded during Griffith's five years at the Biograph Studios, these shorts are a testament to Griffith's vision as a filmmaker that, after so many years, they are still vibrant with excitement and emotion.