"Pippa Passes" (1909) - with film
Arthur V. Johnson
Directed by D.W. Griffith
Cinematography by Billy Bitzer, Arthur Marvin
Starring Gertrude Robinson, Marion Leonard, Arthur V. Johnson, Mack Sennett, Owen Moore
Distributed by Biograph Company
Release date October 4, 1909
Country United States
Running time 14 m.
"Pippa Passes" is a short drama directed by D.W. Griffith. The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of our stars cinematographer Billy Bitzer and Arthur V. Johnson. Billy Bitzer shares the cinematography credit with Arthur Marvin. Arthur V. Johnson plays a character by the name of Luca.
The film is based on the verse drama by the 19 century English poet Robert Browning. Apparently the poem was very popular, judging by these facts:
- This was the first film to be reviewed by the New York Times newspaper
- there is a town by the name of Pippa Passes in Kentucky
A girl sings with a lute and the song has a healing effect.
Click to enlarge:
Pippa Passes
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Gertrude Robinson sings in "Pippa Passes" (1909) director D.W. Griffith.
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Arthur Johnson talks to his cheating wife Marion Leonard in "Pippa Passes" (1909) director D.W. Griffith.
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Arthur Johnson hugs his cheating wife Marion Leonard in "Pippa Passes" (1909) director D.W. Griffith.
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Arthur Johnson parts with his cheating wife in "Pippa Passes" (1909) director D.W. Griffith.
Arthur Johnson and Marion Leonard