Pippa Passes
"The Song of Conscience"
Plot
On her one day of annual holiday from the silk mills of Asolo, a young girl named Pippa wanders through the town singing a song of innocence and faith. Unbeknownst to her, the sound of her voice reaches several people at critical turning points in their lives, including a pair of adulterous lovers plotting a murder and a group of cynical art students. In each instance, her simple melody acts as a spiritual intervention, pricking the consciences of the listeners and diverting them from paths of sin or despair. By the end of the day, Pippa returns to her humble room, completely unaware that her passing song has fundamentally altered the destinies of those she encountered.
About the Production
The film is a notable early adaptation of Robert Browning's 1841 verse drama. Director D.W. Griffith was a great admirer of Victorian literature and sought to elevate the 'nickelodeon' medium by adapting classic works. To achieve the famous 'dawn' effect in the opening scene, Griffith and cinematographer Billy Bitzer used a sliding panel in the studio wall to gradually admit light, a sophisticated technique for 1909. The production was filmed in late August and early September of 1909.
Historical Background
In 1909, the motion picture industry was still in its infancy, often dismissed as a cheap 'nickelodeon' amusement for the working class. D.W. Griffith was at the forefront of a movement to bring middle-class respectability to the medium. By adapting a complex work by Robert Browning, Griffith was signaling to censors and social critics that cinema could be a vehicle for moral and educational content. This period also saw the rise of the 'Biograph Girl' phenomenon, where audiences began to recognize and demand specific actors, leading to the birth of the star system.
Why This Film Matters
The film is a landmark in the transition of cinema from a novelty to a narrative art form. Its review in The New York Times marked the beginning of serious film criticism in mainstream American journalism. Furthermore, its focus on the 'unseen influence' of a single individual helped establish the thematic depth that would characterize the 'Golden Age' of silent film. It proved that audiences were capable of following non-linear, episodic narratives tied together by a central theme rather than just a continuous plot.
Making Of
The production was marked by Griffith's experimentation with 'mood lighting.' To simulate the passage of time from dawn to dusk, Griffith and Bitzer devised a method of using artificial light and controlled natural light through studio windows. This was a departure from the flat, even lighting typical of early silent films. Griffith also insisted on a more naturalistic acting style from his cast, moving away from the exaggerated theatrical gestures common in the early 1900s. The film's structure, following a single character through multiple vignettes, was also a narrative innovation that Griffith would later expand upon in his feature-length masterpieces.
Visual Style
The cinematography by G.W. 'Billy' Bitzer and Arthur Marvin is celebrated for its early use of 'Rembrandt lighting' and the 'dawn-to-dusk' lighting effects. Bitzer used a series of mirrors and reflectors to bounce light into the actors' faces, creating a soft, ethereal glow that matched the spiritual theme of the film. The use of the 'iris' effect to focus the viewer's attention on specific details was also beginning to be refined during this production.
Innovations
The most significant technical achievement was the controlled lighting used to simulate the progression of a single day. This required a level of coordination between the camera and the studio environment that was unprecedented. Additionally, the film utilized sophisticated cross-cutting between Pippa's journey and the various subplots, a technique Griffith would later perfect in 'Intolerance' (1916).
Music
As a silent film, it had no recorded soundtrack. However, Biograph provided 'musical suggestions' for theater pianists and organists, which included specific hymns and light classical pieces to accompany Pippa's walks. The 'song' Pippa sings is represented visually through her lute and the reactions of the characters who hear her.
Famous Quotes
God's in His heaven—All's right with the world! (Intertitle quoting Browning's poem)
Memorable Scenes
- The opening 'Dawn' scene where the light slowly fills Pippa's room as she wakes up for her one day of freedom.
- The scene where the adulterous lovers, Ottima and Sebald, are stopped in their tracks by the sound of Pippa's voice outside their window.
- The final scene where Pippa returns to her room at night, tired but happy, saying her prayers while the audience knows she has saved several souls.
Did You Know?
- Pippa Passes was the first motion picture ever to be reviewed by The New York Times, appearing in the October 10, 1909 edition.
- A young Mary Pickford actually screen-tested for the lead role of Pippa, but Griffith ultimately cast Gertrude Robinson instead.
- The film features an early appearance by Mack Sennett, who would later become the 'King of Comedy' and creator of the Keystone Cops.
- The town of Pippa Passes in Knott County, Kentucky, was named after this film and the Browning poem it was based on.
- The film was considered so prestigious that it was often used by the Biograph Company to prove that movies could be high art for 'critical audiences.'
- Cinematographer Billy Bitzer used a 'Pathé' camera for the production, which was the industry standard at the time.
- The film was re-released in 1915 by the General Film Company due to its enduring popularity and Griffith's rising fame.
- Linda Arvidson, who plays a Greek model in the film, was actually D.W. Griffith's wife at the time of filming.
What Critics Said
Upon its release, the film was hailed as a masterpiece of 'artistic' filmmaking. The New York Times review noted that it was 'a thing of beauty' and praised its ability to convey the essence of Browning's poetry without words. Modern film historians view it as a crucial step in Griffith's development, particularly for its innovative use of lighting and its sophisticated moral structure. It is frequently cited in textbooks as one of the most important 'one-reelers' ever made.
What Audiences Thought
The film was a significant success with audiences of the day, particularly those who frequented the more upscale 'picture palaces' that were beginning to emerge. Its moralistic tone resonated with the Victorian sensibilities of the era, and the 'healing' power of Pippa's song provided a sentimental appeal that made it one of Biograph's most requested titles for years after its initial release.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Pippa Passes (verse drama by Robert Browning)
- Victorian moralist painting
- The theatrical work of David Belasco
This Film Influenced
- Intolerance (1916)
- The Wind (1928)
- Magnolia (1999) - for its 'interconnected lives' structure
You Might Also Like
Film Restoration
The film is preserved. It was originally restored from a paper print held by the Library of Congress. A 16mm projection print is also held by the Browning Institute.