The Scarlet Letter (1911)
A silent-era adaptation of Hawthorne's enduring tale, bringing Hester Prynne's story of sin and survival to the earliest days of American cinema.
The Scarlet Letter - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Scarlet Letter
- Release Year: 1911
- Directed by: George Loane Tucker, Joseph W. Smiley
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 15m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 27, 1911 (United States)
- Production Companies: Independent Moving Pictures Co. of America (IMP), Motion Picture Distributors and Sales Company
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Scarlet Letter - Plot
Hester Prynne has left Holland in advance of her husband, Roger, to join the colonists in Salem, Maxx. Roger follows her to the new world but upon landing in New England is captured by Indians and Hester waits for him in vain.
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The Scarlet Letter - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Loane Tucker
- Joseph W. Smiley
Main Cast
- King Baggot
- Lucille Young
- William Robert Daly
- Anita Hendrie
- Robert Z. Leonard
- J. Farrell MacDonald
Writers
- Herbert Brenon
Producers
- Carl Laemmle
The Scarlet Letter - FAQs
Is The Scarlet Letter (1911) based on a true story?
No, The Scarlet Letter (1911) is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's celebrated 1850 novel of the same name, which itself drew on the historical Puritan society of 17th-century New England as a backdrop for its fictional narrative.
Is The Scarlet Letter (1911) a lost film?
The Scarlet Letter (1911) is considered a presumed lost film. Like many silent-era productions, no known surviving print has been confirmed, making it one of countless early cinema works that have been lost to time due to nitrate film deterioration and inadequate preservation efforts.
Who directed The Scarlet Letter in 1911?
The Scarlet Letter (1911) was co-directed by George Loane Tucker and Joseph W. Smiley. Tucker would go on to become a notable figure in early cinema, later directing the landmark British feature Traffic in Souls (1913).
Who are the main actors in The Scarlet Letter (1911)?
The main cast of The Scarlet Letter (1911) includes King Baggot as Reverend Dimmesdale and Lucille Young as Hester Prynne, with William Robert Daly, Anita Hendrie, Robert Z. Leonard, and J. Farrell MacDonald rounding out the ensemble.
What is The Scarlet Letter (1911) about?
The film follows Hester Prynne, who travels ahead of her husband Roger from Holland to join colonists in Salem. When Roger arrives in the New World, he is captured by Native Americans, leaving Hester to wait for him in vain — setting the stage for Hawthorne's tale of sin, guilt, and redemption.
When was The Scarlet Letter (1911) released?
The Scarlet Letter was released on April 27, 1911, in the United States. It was produced by the Independent Moving Pictures Co. of America (IMP) and distributed through the Motion Picture Distributors and Sales Company during the early nickelodeon era of American cinema.
How long is The Scarlet Letter (1911)?
The Scarlet Letter (1911) has a runtime of approximately 15 minutes. This short running time was typical for single-reel silent films of the era, which were designed to fit the programming format of early nickelodeon theaters.
What are similar movies to The Scarlet Letter (1911)?
If you enjoy The Scarlet Letter (1911), similar early silent films worth exploring include Slander the Woman (1923), The Prince and the Pauper (1909), Passionate Youth (1925), Life's Greatest Question (1921), and The Vampire's Trail (1914), all sharing the drama and storytelling style of the era.
More About The Scarlet Letter
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