"A Trap for Santa" (1909) - hidden gem
Henry Walthall and Marion Leonard
Directed by D.W. Griffith
Cinematography by Billy Bitzer
Starring Marion Leonard, Henry Walthall, Gladys Egan, Mack Sennett
Distributed by Biograph Company
Release date December 20, 1909
Country United States
Running time 15 m.
This film is part of our series 'Hidden Gems'. It can be watched by registered users who make a donation. For more details, please click here.
"A Trap for Santa" is a short drama directed by D.W. Griffith. It is included in our program to illustrate the work of our star cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
A jobless man (Henry Walthall) is filled with guilt and decides to leave his wife (Marion Leonard) and children behind. Then one day Marion Leonard's fortunes turn around when she receives inheritance. Before Christmas her children set a trap, but instead of catching Santa, they nab a burglar entering through the window.
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A Trap for Santa
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Henry Walthall is a jobless man and his wife Marion Leonard looks desperate in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
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Henry Walthall drowns his sorrow in alcohol in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
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Henry Walthall returns home drunk as Marion Leonard gets both fearful and angry in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
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Henry Walthall leaves his home and family in desperation in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
Mack-Sennett-and-Henry-Walthall-in-A-trap-for-Santa-1909-DW-Griffith-and-Billy-Bitzer-04.jpg
An angry waiter, Mack Sennett, confronts a drunk Henry Walthall in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
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Marion Leonard is elated for receiving inheritance money in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
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The children set a trap in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
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Marion Leonard catches a burglar who turns out to be Henry Walthall in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
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Henry Walthall begs Marion Leonard's forgiveness in "A Trap for Santa" (1909), directed by D. W. Griffith, cinematographer Billy Bitzer.
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