silent crime drama

"Lonely Villa" is a short crime drama directed by D.W. Griffith, featuring cinematographer Billy Bitzer, a star of Silent Hall of Fame.

A group of criminals planning a robbery manages to lure the father of the family out of the house. In his absence they make their move, but the mother and her three daughters barricade themselves behind a solid door.  Suspense builds up as the thieves try to force the door while the mother calls her husband for help.

"The Penalty" (1920) is a powerful crime drama, in which Lon Chaney delivers one of his most memorable performances.  

An inexperienced doctor needlessly amputates a boy's legs after a traffic accident.  The boy grows up to be a criminal mastermind, determined to revenge himself on society and on the doctor that crippled him for life a long time ago.

The film has a strong 7.6 rating in IMDB.

"Money Mad" is a short crime drama directed by D.W. Griffith, featuring Florence Lawrence and cinematographer Billy Bitzer, stars of Silent Hall of Fame. Arthur Johnson has a small part as a bank teller.

"The Musketeers of Pig Alley" is a short crime drama directed by D. W. Griffith. This film illustrates the work of actor Robert Harron and cinematographer Billy Bitzer, stars of Silent Hall of Fame.

"The Musketeers of Pig Alley" is the first gangster film in history.  It has some excellent acting by a very strong cast and a lot of suspense.  The film is also a predecessor of what would become known a quarter of a century later as "the film noir".

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