Two Memories (1909)
A silent short drama of pride, regret, and irreversible loss — and the film that introduced Mary Pickford to the world.
Two Memories - Movie Information
- Original Title: Two Memories
- Release Year: 1909
- Directed by: D.W. Griffith
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 6m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 24, 1909 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: American Mutoscope & Biograph
- Production Countries: United States of America
Two Memories - Plot
Henry and Marion have a lover's quarrel and part in anger. They do not reconcile, and ten years pass without contact. Marion becomes a society girl and spends her time at parties with her friends. Henry has become very ill and wishes to see Marion one more time. He writes asking her to visit. When she recieves the note, she laughs and tosses it on the floor, but, later, on a whim, decides to take all her drunken friends with her to visit him. When they arrive, Marion finds Henry dead, clutching her portrait in his hand. She sends her friends away and falls to her knees in remorse. Mary Pickford's debut!
Two Memories - Trailer
Watch the surviving footage from this landmark 1909 short film:
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Two Memories - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- D.W. Griffith
Main Cast
- Marion Leonard
- David Miles
- Mary Pickford
- Charles Avery
- Clara T. Bracy
- Robert Harron
- Anita Hendrie
- Arthur V. Johnson
- Florence Lawrence
- Owen Moore
Writers
- D.W. Griffith
Two Memories - FAQs
Is Two Memories (1909) Mary Pickford's film debut?
Yes, Two Memories (1909) is widely cited as Mary Pickford's screen debut. She appears in a supporting role as Marion's Sister. Pickford would go on to become one of the most celebrated actresses of the silent film era, earning the nickname 'America's Sweetheart.'
What is Two Memories (1909) about?
Two Memories follows Henry and Marion, former lovers who part after a quarrel. Ten years later, Henry, gravely ill, writes asking to see Marion one last time. She dismisses his note but visits with drunken friends, only to find him dead, clutching her portrait — a poignant study in regret and wasted love.
Where can I watch Two Memories (1909)?
As a 1909 public domain silent short, Two Memories may be available through free archival platforms such as the Internet Archive or YouTube. For a full overview of current streaming and viewing options, check JustWatch, which aggregates availability across multiple platforms in your region.
Who directed Two Memories (1909)?
Two Memories was directed by D.W. Griffith, one of the pioneering figures of early cinema. Griffith directed hundreds of short films for American Mutoscope & Biograph during this period, developing many of the visual storytelling techniques that would define the language of film.
How long is Two Memories (1909)?
Two Memories has a runtime of approximately 6 minutes. It is a short silent film produced by American Mutoscope & Biograph, typical of the brief narrative formats common to early cinema in the first decade of the twentieth century.
Who are the main actors in Two Memories?
The principal cast includes Marion Leonard as Marion Francis and David Miles as Henry Lawrence. Mary Pickford appears as Marion's Sister in her screen debut. The supporting cast features Florence Lawrence, Owen Moore, Arthur V. Johnson, Robert Harron, and Charles Avery, among others.
What genre is Two Memories (1909)?
Two Memories is a Drama. It is also a silent, black-and-white short film produced in the United States in 1909. The film explores themes of pride, regret, and lost love through the visual storytelling techniques characteristic of D.W. Griffith's early Biograph work.
Who was the cinematographer for Two Memories (1909)?
Two Memories was shot by cinematographer Billy Bitzer, who served as D.W. Griffith's primary collaborator throughout his prolific Biograph years. Bitzer's work with Griffith helped establish foundational cinematographic techniques that influenced the visual grammar of early narrative filmmaking.
More About Two Memories
Explore further details about this historic 1909 silent short on the following resources.