The Greatest Question

Plot

Young Nellie Jarvis, daughter of wandering parents, witnesses the brutal murder of a woman by Martin Cain and his wife, a traumatic event that haunts her childhood. Years later, now an orphan known as 'Little Miss Yes'm,' Nellie returns to the same area and is taken in by the impoverished but loving Hilton family, who treat her as their own child. As Nellie grows deeply attached to her new family, she becomes determined to relieve their financial struggles and seeks employment at a nearby farmhouse, unaware that it belongs to the very couple who committed the murder she witnessed. The film builds to a dramatic confrontation as Nellie's past and present collide, forcing her to confront the murderers while protecting her adoptive family. Griffith's melodrama explores themes of redemption, memory, and the triumph of innocence over evil through its young protagonist's journey.

Historical Background

The Greatest Question was produced in 1919, a pivotal year in American cinema and world history. The film industry was transitioning from short films to feature-length productions, with directors like D.W. Griffith leading this transformation. Post-World War I America was experiencing significant social changes, including shifting attitudes toward morality, family structures, and women's roles. The film's themes of orphanhood and found families resonated with audiences who had experienced the disruptions of war and its aftermath. 1919 also saw major labor unrest and the beginning of the Red Scare, creating a climate where traditional values were both questioned and reaffirmed in popular culture. Griffith, who had faced controversy over 'The Birth of a Nation,' was working to rebuild his reputation with more socially conscious films like 'Broken Blossoms' and 'The Greatest Question.'

Making Of

The production of 'The Greatest Question' took place during what many consider D.W. Griffith's creative peak period. Griffith was known for his meticulous attention to detail and often worked closely with his actors to develop their characters. Lillian Gish, who was Griffith's muse and frequent collaborator, brought particular depth to her portrayal of the young protagonist. The film was shot on Griffith's own studio lot, allowing him complete creative control. Griffith's working method during this period involved extensive rehearsals and multiple takes to achieve the emotional intensity he desired. The production team included cinematographer Billy Bitzer, Griffith's long-time collaborator who helped develop many of the visual techniques that became hallmarks of Griffith's style. The film's relatively modest scale allowed Griffith to focus on intimate character moments rather than the epic sequences that characterized his more famous works.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Billy Bitzer employs Griffith's characteristic use of close-ups to emphasize emotional moments, particularly in scenes featuring Lillian Gish. The film utilizes natural lighting for many interior scenes, creating a realistic atmosphere that contrasts with the more stylized lighting of Griffith's epics. Bitzer employs tracking shots to follow the young protagonist's movements through the Hilton home, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The murder scene is shot with careful composition to suggest violence without explicit imagery, demonstrating Griffith's understanding of cinematic suggestion. The film's visual style is more restrained than Griffith's major works, focusing on subtle lighting changes and framing to convey emotional states.

Innovations

While not a groundbreaking technical achievement like some of Griffith's earlier works, 'The Greatest Question' demonstrates his refinement of existing techniques. The film makes effective use of cross-cutting between the innocent protagonist and the menacing antagonists, building tension through parallel editing. Griffith employs varying shot distances to control audience perspective, using long shots for establishing scenes and close-ups for emotional impact. The film's pacing shows Griffith's mastery of narrative rhythm, building gradually to its dramatic climax. The production also demonstrates the increasing sophistication of set design and lighting in 1919, with realistic interior settings that enhance the story's emotional authenticity.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Greatest Question' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The typical score would have included classical pieces and popular songs of the era, selected to match the emotional tone of each scene. Griffith often provided detailed musical suggestions for his films, and this production likely included cues from composers like Chopin and Beethoven for dramatic moments. The score would have emphasized the film's emotional arc, with lighter themes for the family scenes and more dramatic music for the confrontation with the murderers. Some theaters may have used compiled scores while others employed organists or small orchestras to provide live accompaniment.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where young Nellie witnesses the murder from hiding, establishing the film's central trauma. The scene where the Hilton family welcomes Nellie into their home despite their poverty, demonstrating the power of unconditional love. The climactic confrontation where Nellie must face her past while protecting her new family, showcasing her moral courage and growth.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film's emotional power and Lillian Gish's sensitive performance. The Motion Picture News noted Griffith's 'masterful handling of a simple story' and called it 'a touching tale of childhood innocence.' Variety acknowledged that while the film lacked the grandeur of Griffith's epics, it 'compensates with genuine heart and sincerity.' Modern critics have reassessed the film as an example of Griffith's more intimate filmmaking style, with some arguing that it demonstrates his strengths in character-driven narratives better than his larger productions. The film is generally regarded by film historians as a solid, if not exceptional, example of Griffith's work from this period.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences of 1919 responded positively to the film's emotional story and Lillian Gish's performance. The film performed respectably at the box office, particularly in smaller cities where Griffith's name still carried considerable weight. Contemporary newspaper accounts reported that audiences were moved to tears by the film's climax, indicating that Griffith's emotional storytelling techniques remained effective. The film's themes of family loyalty and moral courage resonated with post-war audiences seeking reassurance about traditional values. While it didn't generate the same level of public discussion as Griffith's more controversial works, it maintained his reputation as a director who could deliver both spectacle and intimate drama.

You Might Also Like