The Scarlet Letter (1917)
A 1917 silent drama adapting Hawthorne's enduring tale of guilt and social judgment in Puritan-era Boston.
The Scarlet Letter - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Scarlet Letter
- Release Year: 1917
- Directed by: Carl Harbaugh
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 12, 1917 (United States)
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Scarlet Letter - Plot
The film tells the story of a noble but poor woman who arrives at Boston in the 17th century. There she marries an old but quite rich doctor but does not become happy.
Where to Watch The Scarlet Letter
Looking for where to watch The Scarlet Letter?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Scarlet Letter - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Carl Harbaugh
Main Cast
- Mary Martin
- Stuart Holmes
- Dan Mason
- Kittens Reichert
- Edward Hoyt
- Robert Vivian
- Florence Ashbrooke
Writers
- Carl Harbaugh
The Scarlet Letter - FAQs
Is The Scarlet Letter (1917) considered a lost film?
Yes, The Scarlet Letter (1917) is widely regarded as a lost film. No surviving print is known to exist. Like the majority of silent-era productions, it likely perished through nitrate decomposition, studio fires, or simple neglect during a period when film preservation was rarely prioritized.
What is The Scarlet Letter (1917) about?
The story follows a noble but impoverished woman who settles in 17th-century Boston, marries a wealthy older doctor, and finds herself deeply unhappy. Rooted in Hawthorne's celebrated novel, the narrative explores themes of sin, guilt, and the crushing weight of Puritan social judgment in early New England.
Is The Scarlet Letter (1917) based on a true story?
No, it is not based on a true story. The film adapts Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel of the same name, a work of fiction set in Puritan Boston. While Hawthorne drew on the moral climate of colonial New England for atmosphere, the characters and central dramatic events are entirely invented.
Who are the main actors in The Scarlet Letter (1917)?
The principal cast features Mary Martin as Hester Prynne, Stuart Holmes as Arthur Dimmesdale, Dan Mason as Roger Chillingworth, and Kittens Reichert as Pearl. Supporting roles are filled by Edward Hoyt as The Reverend Wilson, Robert Vivian as The Governor, and Florence Ashbrooke as Mistress Hibbons.
When was The Scarlet Letter (1917) released?
The film was released on February 12, 1917, in the United States. It stands as one of the earliest cinematic adaptations of Hawthorne's novel, predating the more celebrated 1926 silent version starring Lillian Gish by nearly a decade.
Who directed The Scarlet Letter (1917)?
Carl Harbaugh directed the film and also wrote the screenplay. Active during the silent era, Harbaugh contributed to several productions of the 1910s and 1920s in dual capacities as both writer and director, though few of his works survive today.
Where can I watch The Scarlet Letter (1917)?
Given its status as a lost silent film, streaming availability for The Scarlet Letter (1917) is extremely limited. For the most current information on any available viewing options across platforms and services in your region, JustWatch is the best resource to consult.
What are films similar to The Scarlet Letter (1917)?
Viewers interested in The Scarlet Letter (1917) may also enjoy Vagabond Love (1915), Saints and Sinners (1915), Justified (1915), The Cry of the First Born (1915), His Phantom Sweetheart (1915), Paid in Full (1914), and Rose-Marie (1928), all sharing a similar silent-era dramatic sensibility.
More About The Scarlet Letter
Explore further details about this 1917 silent drama through these authoritative sources.