The Death Disc: A Story of the Cromwellian Period
During the reign of Oliver Cromwell, Catholic worship is forbidden on pain of death. Three soldiers are arrested as Catholics and condemned to die. Cromwell decides to spare two of them and to determine which should die by chance. The guards bring the first child they meet. Whichever soldier she gives the 'death disc' to shall die. Cromwell is charmed by the girl and gives her his signet ring. By chance the child is the daughter of one of the soldiers and gives the death disc to her father, because she thinks it's pretty. The child is returned home to her mother, who learns of her husband's pending execution and of the power of the ring. She rushes to the place of execution and saves her husband by producing the ring.
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📋 Film Details
| Year | 1909 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Genre | History, Drama |
| Director | D.W. Griffith |
| Runtime | 11 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 0.5/10 (1 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
The short film constructs a tense drama from the clash between state cruelty and simple familial love. Griffith relies on historical setting to explore themes of mercy and blind chance under tyranny.
What lingers after viewing is the efficiency of the parable-like narrative, where fate is decided by a child's hand. The plot turns on a powerful symbol of authority finding its way into the most innocent of hands. — MovieFinder Editorial
Director: D.W. Griffith
Best Watched
Watch in a quiet setting to appreciate the silent-era acting and detailed historical mise-en-scène.
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