Broken Blossoms, or The Yellow Man and the Girl

Broken Blossoms, or The Yellow Man and the Girl

1919. USA. Directed by D. W. Griffith. Based on a story by Thomas Burke. With Lillian Gish, Richard Barthelmess, Donald Crisp. Eager to spread his Buddhist beliefs in the West, a young man leaves China for London, where he witnesses much cruelty. He soon meets Lucy, the child of a ruthless boxer, and takes her in, offering food, shelter, and a peaceful home. Her bigoted father will not permit this friendship, however, and it takes a near act of violence to remind the young man of his Buddhist teachings. Preserved with support from the Lillian Gish Trust for Film Preservation. Silent, with musical accompaniment. 89 min.