The Cradle of Courage | 1920 | Drama

Title: The Cradle of Courage | 1920 | Drama Director: Lambert Hillyer Studio: William S. Hart Productions Starring: William S. Hart, Ann Little, Tom Santschi, Gertrude Claire, George B. Williams Release Date: October 17, 1920 Runtime: 51 Format: Silent, black-and-white, English intertitles, 5 reels Country: United States Language: Silent Genres: Drama --- Summary: Returning to San Francisco after serving in World War I, notorious safecracker “Square” Kelly struggles to abandon his criminal past. Encouraged by a wartime comrade and the comrade’s police lieutenant father, he joins the force, only to find himself policing the very gang that once claimed his loyalty. As Kelly’s moral reformation deepens, he clashes with his former boss and confronts painful ties to his family. The film explores themes of redemption, duty, and the pull between old allegiances and a hard-won conscience. --- Background: Produced by star William S. Hart and directed by frequent collaborator Lambert Hillyer, The Cradle of Courage marked a contemporary urban departure from Hart’s signature Westerns. Cinematography was by Joseph H. “Joe” August. Principal photography concluded in late July 1920, with some exteriors shot in San Francisco; early openings occurred in Los Angeles in August and New York in September before a wider October release through Paramount/Artcraft. Surviving prints are held by major archives, including the Museum of Modern Art and others. --- Trivia: Barbara Bedford made her screen debut in this film. Although advertised as a Paramount picture, existing prints bear the title card “An Artcraft Picture,” reflecting the Paramount subsidiary that handled distribution. Early engagements preceded general release: Los Angeles opened the week of August 10, 1920; New York premiered on September 19, 1920; wider release followed on October 17, 1920. Joseph H. August, the film’s cinematographer, became one of the era’s most respected directors of photography. Location work included San Francisco settings, underscoring the story’s postwar, urban milieu. --- Hashtags: TheCradleOfCourage WilliamSHart LambertHillyer SilentFilm 1920sCinema FilmHistory Drama PublicDomain