Lena and the Geese. | 1912 | Drama, Romance

Title: Lena and the Geese. | 1912 | Drama, Romance Director: D. W. Griffith Studio: Biograph Company Starring: Mary Pickford, J. Jiquel Lanoe, Kate Bruce, Mae Marsh, Edwin August, Claire McDowell, W. Chrystie Miller Release Date: June 17, 1912 Runtime: 17 Format: Silent, black-and-white, 1 reel, 1.33:1 Country: United States Language: Silent Genres: Drama, Romance, Fantasy, Short --- Chapters: 00:00:00 A princess sent away 00:04:00 Sisters in the countryside 00:08:00 The summons to court 00:11:00 Lena at court 00:14:30 Truth revealed and return --- Summary: A royal infant is secretly placed in the care of a peasant widow, Gretchen, whose own daughter Lena grows up alongside the hidden princess as a sister. Years later, when the dying noblewoman calls for her child to be restored to her, Gretchen sends her own daughter to court instead. Lena’s brief life among courtiers proves ill-fitting, and her longing for home and her geese exposes the deception. The true princess is reinstated, while Lena returns to the rural life where she belongs. The film explores identity, class, and the pull between duty and contentment. --- Background: Produced by the Biograph Company and directed by D. W. Griffith, the one‑reel short was released on June 17, 1912, with Mary Pickford both starring and credited with the scenario. Cinematography is by G. W. Bitzer, Griffith’s longtime collaborator. Distributed by the General Film Company, it was also known under the working title The Goose Girl, and prints are reported to survive in private collections. --- Trivia: The working title was The Goose Girl before release as Lena and the Geese. Mary Pickford is credited with writing the scenario as well as starring. G. W. Bitzer photographed the film, typical of Griffith’s Biograph period. The cast includes future Griffith regular Mae Marsh in a supporting role. Reports note appearances by Lottie Pickford, Mary’s sister, in the ensemble. --- Public Domain / Rights: Original Release: June 17, 1912 Original Studio / Distributor: Biograph Company / General Film Company Copyright Status: Public Domain Renewal: No --- Hashtags: MaryPickford DWGriffith SilentFilm Biograph PublicDomain 1912 AmericanCinema Source page: https: //www.loc.gov/item/2015600179/ Direct media URL: https: //tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/mbrs/ntscrm/00106920/00106920.mp4