The Craving (1916 film)

The Craving is a 1916 American silent drama film directed by Charles M. Weber. The film stars Kathlyn Williams, Arthur Shirley, and Guy Oliver. The plot centers around a woman's addiction to morphine and its devastating consequences on her life and relationships. The Craving is notable as an early example of a film addressing the topic of drug addiction, a subject that was considered taboo at the time. The film's narrative explores the social and personal ramifications of drug use, depicting the protagonist's descent into despair and the struggles faced by those around her. While the film's artistic merits may be debated in a modern context, its historical significance lies in its willingness to confront a controversial social issue and its contribution to the developing language of cinema in addressing sensitive topics. The film is now considered lost.