Home Sweet Home (1917 film)

Home Sweet Home is a 1917 American silent drama film directed by D.W. Griffith. The film is an anthology of four different stories connected by the theme of the importance of home and family. It features an ensemble cast of prominent silent film actors.

The narrative structure weaves together four distinct vignettes: the origins of the song "Home! Sweet Home!" by John Howard Payne; a depiction of a family struggling with poverty and temptation; a story of marital discord and reconciliation; and finally, a tale of jealousy and violence averted by the restorative power of home. These stories are presented to illustrate the enduring appeal and emotional resonance of the titular song and its message.

The film is notable for its large cast, including Lillian Gish, Dorothy Gish, Robert Harron, Mae Marsh, and Miriam Cooper. It showcases Griffith's mastery of cinematic techniques, including elaborate sets, dramatic lighting, and innovative camera work, which were hallmarks of his filmmaking style during the silent era. While not considered one of Griffith's most critically acclaimed works, Home Sweet Home is a significant example of his exploration of moral and social themes within a melodramatic framework. The film attempts to highlight the virtues of domesticity and the dangers of straying from a righteous path, all framed within the context of the popular sentimental ballad.