Civilization (1916)
A landmark silent anti-war epic in which Christ returns to Earth through a pacifist submarine commander to deliver humanity a message of peace.
Civilization - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1916
- Directed by: Reginald Barker, Raymond B. West et al.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 2, 1916 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Thomas H. Ince Corporation
- Production Countries: United States of America
Civilization - Plot
Count Ferdinand, a submarine commander and secret pacifist refuses to torpedo a defenseless passenger ship during wartime. His submarine is sunk in the following fracas. In the spirit world, Christ commends the captain, and returns to earth in the commander's body to promote His message of peace.
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Civilization - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Reginald Barker
- Raymond B. West
- Thomas H. Ince
Main Cast
- Kate Bruce
- J. Frank Burke
- Claire Du Brey
- George Fisher
- Charles K. French
- Thomas H. Ince
- Herschel Mayall
- Lola May
- Howard Hickman
- Enid Markey
Writers
- C. Gardner Sullivan
Producers
- Thomas H. Ince
Civilization - FAQs
What is Civilization (1916) about?
Civilization follows Count Ferdinand, a submarine commander who secretly opposes the war and refuses to sink a passenger ship. After his submarine is destroyed, Christ enters his body and returns to Earth to spread a message of peace — a bold anti-war statement released during World War I.
Is Civilization a silent film?
Yes, Civilization is a silent film from 1916, made before synchronized sound became standard in cinema. Like all films of its era, it uses intertitles to convey dialogue and narration, accompanied by a live musical score — composed for this film by Victor Schertzinger.
Where can you stream Civilization (1916)?
You can watch Civilization for free on Fawesome. It's a great way to experience this landmark piece of early American cinema without any subscription cost.
Was Civilization used as political propaganda in 1916?
Absolutely. Civilization was closely associated with Woodrow Wilson's 1916 re-election campaign, which ran on the slogan “He kept us out of war.” The film's pacifist message aligned perfectly with Wilson's platform, making it one of the earliest examples of cinema used for political purposes.
Who directed Civilization and why does it have three directors?
Civilization was co-directed by Reginald Barker, Raymond B. West, and producer Thomas H. Ince. Large-scale productions of the silent era often divided directorial duties across multiple units handling different sequences — a practical approach to managing the film's ambitious scope and battle scenes.
Did Civilization receive any notable recognition upon release?
Civilization was a major commercial and critical success in 1916, widely praised for its spectacular battle sequences and powerful anti-war message. It was one of the most ambitious American films of its time and is now preserved in the United States National Film Registry as a culturally significant work.
What makes Civilization historically significant today?
Beyond its pacifist message, Civilization is notable for its early use of large-scale battle sequences, its religious allegory, and its political influence. It also features early screen appearances by John Gilbert and Alice Terry, both of whom went on to become major stars of the silent era.
What are some films similar to Civilization (1916)?
If Civilization appeals to you, explore other silent-era classics like The Perils of Pauline (1914), Carmen (1915), and Behind the Door (1919). For more early drama, Joyless Street (1925) and The Bright Shawl (1923) offer similarly compelling glimpses into the richness of pre-sound cinema.
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