The Cry of the Children (1912)
In the National Film Registry
•
27m
A exposé of child labor horrors. Poor family & child Alice toil under ruthless factory owner.
The Cry of the Children, a hard-hitting 1912 silent drama by George Nichols for the Thanhouser Company, tackles the social issue of child labor, a daring topic for the era, and utilizes a blend of fictional narrative and documentary footage. This combination aimed to heighten the film's realism and emotional impact.
Beyond its subject matter, The Cry of the Children utilizes innovative techniques to convey its message. Intertitles, cards with text displayed between scenes, incorporate lines from Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem of the same name, adding a layer of literary influence. The film also reportedly features close-ups on the faces of the child actors, a technique uncommon in early cinema, to emphasize their plight.
This film's significance lies in its use of film as a tool for social commentary. It sparked public discussions about child labor reform and demonstrates the potential of cinema to raise awareness about critical issues. The Cry of the Children paved the way for future filmmakers who would use the medium to advocate for social change.
While not entirely breaking the mold, The Cry of the Children stands as an example of how early filmmakers began to experiment with form and content to deliver powerful messages that resonated with audiences.
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