Movie spotlight
What Shall We Do with Our Old?
An elderly carpenter is told by a doctor that his wife is seriously ill. Soon afterwards, an insensitive shop foreman lays him off from his job because of his age. Unable to find work, and with his wife's condition getting worse, he soon becomes desperate.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short silent film depicts a disheartened Civil War veteran contemplating his past and uncertain future. He wanders through a city, encountering poverty and neglect, which intensifies his own feelings of obsolescence. The film culminates in a poignant reflection on the sacrifices of veterans and the societal forgetfulness they often face.
Critical Reception
As a very early silent film, critical reception from its time is difficult to ascertain with modern metrics. However, it is recognized as an example of D. W. Griffith's early directorial work exploring social issues and human pathos, which was characteristic of his influential approach to filmmaking.
What Reviewers Say
A somber and emotionally resonant portrayal of a veteran's struggle.
Showcases early cinematic techniques in depicting social commentary.
Highlights themes of aging, neglect, and the cost of war.
Google audience: Audience reception for this extremely early silent film is not available through modern platforms. However, its historical significance lies in its early exploration of veteran issues and Griffith's developing directorial style.
Fun Fact
This film is notable for featuring an early performance by Henry B. Walthall, who would later become famous for his portrayal of the Little Colonel in Griffith's epic "The Birth of a Nation" (1915).
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