The Cradle (1922)
A silent-era domestic drama exposing the human cost of self-indulgence, divorce, and parental neglect through the eyes of a child.
The Cradle - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1922
- Directed by: Paul Powell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 4, 1922 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Famous Players-Lasky Corporation
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Cradle - Plot
A socialite couple thinks only of themselves. When they become bored with one another, they divorce and marry others (several times). The person who suffers most from their cavalier outlook on life is their cute little daughter Mary Jane Irving.
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The Cradle - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Powell
Main Cast
- Ethel Clayton
- Charles Meredith
- Mary Jane Irving
- Anna Lehr
- Walter McGrail
- Adele Farrington
Writers
- Olga Printzlau
The Cradle - FAQs
What is The Cradle (1922) about?
The Cradle follows a wealthy socialite couple consumed by self-interest. Growing bored with each other, they divorce and remarry multiple times, and it is their young daughter, Doris Harvey, who bears the emotional cost of her parents' reckless and indifferent approach to family life.
Who directed The Cradle?
The Cradle was directed by Paul Powell, a prolific silent-era filmmaker who worked extensively with major studios during the 1910s and 1920s. Powell was known for his ability to handle domestic melodramas with sensitivity and visual clarity.
Who are the main actors in The Cradle?
The Cradle stars Ethel Clayton and Charles Meredith as the socialite couple Margaret and Dr. Robert Harvey, with young Mary Jane Irving as their daughter Doris. The supporting cast includes Anna Lehr, Walter McGrail, and Adele Farrington.
When was The Cradle released?
The Cradle was released on March 4, 1922, in the United States. It was produced by Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, one of the most prominent Hollywood studios of the silent film era, which later evolved into Paramount Pictures.
How long is The Cradle?
The Cradle has a runtime of 50 minutes, which was a standard length for feature-length silent films of the early 1920s. The concise running time allows the story to move briskly through the couple's repeated marital upheavals and their impact on their daughter.
Where can I watch The Cradle online?
You can check current streaming availability for The Cradle on JustWatch, which aggregates viewing options across multiple platforms in your region. As a 1922 silent film, availability may vary depending on archive collections and public domain streaming services.
Is The Cradle based on a true story?
The Cradle is not based on a specific true story. It is an original dramatic narrative written by screenwriter Olga Printzlau. However, its themes of divorce and parental neglect reflected real social anxieties of the 1920s, when changing attitudes toward marriage were generating widespread public debate.
What themes does The Cradle explore?
The Cradle explores themes of selfishness, marital instability, and the emotional toll of divorce on children. Set against the backdrop of upper-class social life, the film critiques a culture of self-indulgence and examines how parental irresponsibility can leave lasting harm on the most vulnerable family members.
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