The Avenging Conscience (1914)

Synopsis: Nightmarish visions of ghouls and devils highlight this D.W. Griffith silent feature based around Edgar Allen Poe's "The Telltale Heart" and "Annabelle Lee." A young man (Henry B. Walthall) finds... Nightmarish visions of ghouls and devils highlight this D.W. Griffith silent feature based around Edgar Allen Poe's "The Telltale Heart" and "Annabelle Lee." A young man (Henry B. Walthall) finds himself prevented from wooing the girl he loves (Blanche Sweet) due to the tyrannical edicts of his mean old uncle (Spottiswoode Aitken). The poor lad becomes haunted by a series of visions that convince him to murder this interfering relative. After the murder has been planned and executed, the man finds himself haunted by still more visions, this time of the fire and brimstone variety. An inquiring detective (Ralph Lewis) adds to the ever-mounting paranoia. Title cards flash verses from the Poe poem "Annabelle Lee." It's a very interesting and very early attempt at experimental narrative and horror from the great director, who is ably assisted by his famed cadre of players, including Mae Marsh and Robert Harron. Donald Crisp and Dorothy Gish also appear in bit parts. [More]

Starring: Henry B. Walthall, Blanche Sweet, Mae Marsh, Spottiswoode Aitken

Starring: Henry B. Walthall, Blanche Sweet, Mae Marsh, Spottiswoode Aitken, Dorothy Gish, Donald Crisp

Director: D.W. Griffith

Director: D.W. Griffith

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