Or: "How the mind of an unfortunate was brought to reason by music." The unfortunates subtitled are the mentally ill, who are taken care of in a nice-looking insane asylum. Claire McDowell (a Nurse) and Lionel Barrymore (a Doctor) work at the asylum; they fall in love, and get married. Later, inmate Charles Hill Mailes (a Lunatic) loses it, cops a gun from Alfred Paget (a Guard) , and escapes. Mr. Hill Mailes is not without a redeeming quality, however; he enjoys music, played on piano by nurses McDowell and Lillian Gish (another Nurse). Director D.W. Griffith's storytelling strengths make "The House of Darkness" quite an enjoyable early film.
****** The House of Darkness (5/10/13) D.W. Griffith ~ Charles Hill Mailes, Claire McDowell, Lionel Barrymore
****** The House of Darkness (5/10/13) D.W. Griffith ~ Charles Hill Mailes, Claire McDowell, Lionel Barrymore