Public Domain Movies

"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".

Lillian Gish plays The Little Lady, whose husband is a musician and has to leave town for work.  In his absence she has to rebuff the advances of a cocky character by the nickname of Snapper Kid (Elmer Booth), the gang leader of the Musketeers.

When her sick mother dies The Little Lady becomes grief-stricken.  One day she is visited by a friend who takes her to a dance party to raise her spirits.  The Little Lady is invited for a drink by some fellow, who puts a drug in her glass, but she is saved by Snapper Kid.  As it turns out, the other guy is the rival gang's leader.  The two bosses square off, but decide  to settle the dispute outside.

Suspense builds up as the two rival gangs chase each other around Pig Alley.  Will there be a winner, or will all perish or go to jail?

Directed by                        D.W. Griffith
Produced by                       Biograph Company
Cinematography               Billy Bitzer
Starring                              Elmer Booth, Lillian Gish, Robert Harron
Distributed by                    The General Film Company
Release date                       October 31, 1912
Running time                     17 min.
Country                              United States
Language                            Silent, English intertitles

You can see a slideshow of stills from this film and other interesting stuff on our website silent-hall-of-fame.org.

Silent Hall of Fame is the only place where we actively work to bring back from oblivion the names and legacy of formerly illustrious silent movie stars, which have made a major contribution to the industry and the world but do not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

We also fight for your right, the right of the public, to see silent masterpieces that have been kept in hidden vaults for far too long. Our website streams for free one such masterpiece that has not been seen in 85 years and is not available anywhere else.

Please visit our website to watch quality silent films absolutely free and to support the legacy of silent movie stars with your tax deductible contribution.

Silent Hall of Fame has started an online campaign to begin raising funds for the nomination of our first star for the Hollywood Walk of Fame. All contributions are tax deductible. Here is the web page:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-a-silent-movie-star-for-the-w...
Please spread the word about the campaign and Silent Hall of Fame and help your favorite silent star receive belated recognition and glory.

Silent Hall of Fame, a nonprofit organization
Preserving the legacy of silent movie stars
http://silent-hall-of-fame.org/