Dust


1h 54m 1916

Brief Synopsis

As a young couple stops and rests in a small village inn, the man is abducted by Death and is sequestered behind a huge doorless, windowless wall. The woman finds a mystic entrance and is met by Death, who tells her three separate stories set in exotic locales, all involving circumstances similar to hers. In each story, a woman, trying to save her lover from his ultimate tragic fate, fails. The young lady realizes the meaning of the tales and takes the only step she can to reunite herself with her lover.

Film Details

MPAA Rating
Genre
Fantasy
Foreign
Historical
Silent
Thriller
Release Date
Jul 10, 1916
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
American Film Co.
Distribution Company
Mutual Film Corp.; Mutual Masterpictures De Luxe Edition
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 54m
Sound
Silent
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.33 : 1
Film Length
5 reels

Synopsis

Muckraking author Frank Kenyon tries to convince his fiancée Marion of the deplorable conditions in the factory owned by her father, John D. Moore, but she is far more interested in putting on shows to aid the Belgian Relief Fund than in helping the working class. When factory conditions cause the death of Mina, a young girl, Frank jumps onstage during one of Marion's reviews and denounces her and her father, after which Marion breaks their engagement. Following his impromptu speech, Frank is elected to the legislature and works constantly for factory reform. Before the implementation of any of his measures, however, a factory fire kills Marion's father. As a result, Marion comes to understand the necessity for reform and, renewing her engagement to Frank, vows to help him fight for it.

Film Details

MPAA Rating
Genre
Fantasy
Foreign
Historical
Silent
Thriller
Release Date
Jul 10, 1916
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
American Film Co.
Distribution Company
Mutual Film Corp.; Mutual Masterpictures De Luxe Edition
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 54m
Sound
Silent
Color
Black and White
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.33 : 1
Film Length
5 reels

Quotes

Trivia

The film that first sparked surrealist director Luis Bunuel's interest in film.

Notes

Sources conflict on scenario credit. Two sources list Julian Lamothe, one lists Clifford Howard. It is unclear if one is responsible for the story, and the other for the scenario.