After producing BIRTH OF A NATION and INTOLERANCE Griffith was commissioned by the American government to produce a propaganda film for the Allies in World War 1. Although not in the same class as his two masterpieces, HEARTS OF THE WORLD is nevertheless well in the Griffith tradition of striking sets, visual flair and spectacular battle scenes. A group of youngsters grow up and love in a peaceful French village. But war intrudes and peace is shattered. The German army invades and occupies village, bringing both destruction and torture. The young people of the village resist, some successfully, others tragically, until French troops retake the town. Stars Lillian Gish, Robert Harron, Dorothy Gish, Adolphe Lestina and Josephine Crowell. Noel Coward and Erich von Stroheim play small parts.
Content notification
Our collection comprises over 40,000 moving image works, acquired and catalogued between the 1940s and early 2000s. As a result, some items may reflect outdated, offensive and possibly harmful views and opinions. ACMI is working to identify and redress such usages.
Learn more about our collection and our collection policy here. If you come across harmful content on our website that you would like to report, let us know.
How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
321235
Language
English
Subject categories
Advertising, Film, Journalism, Mass Media & TV → Propaganda
Armed Forces, Military, War & Weapons → War - United States
Armed Forces, Military, War & Weapons → World War, 1914-1918
Armed Forces, Military, War & Weapons → World War, 1914-1918 - Europe
Armed Forces, Military, War & Weapons → World War, 1914-1918 - Western Front
Economics, Philosophy, Politics, Religion & Sociology → Propaganda
Sound/audio
Silent
Colour
Black and White
Holdings
16mm film; Access Print (Section 1)