The Escape (1928 film)

The Escape (1928) is an American silent crime drama film directed by D.W. Griffith and starring William Russell, Florence Vidor, and Hedda Hopper. The film is based on the play of the same name by Paul Armstrong, which was a remake of his earlier play "The Pardon Will Come."

The plot revolves around a young man wrongly convicted of murder. He escapes from prison and seeks to prove his innocence while evading the authorities. His struggle for freedom and justice forms the core of the narrative.

Although considered a late-period Griffith film, and therefore not as widely celebrated as his earlier works, The Escape still exhibits Griffith's signature style, albeit adapted to the changing cinematic landscape of the late 1920s. The film showcases themes of social injustice and the fallibility of the legal system, which were common in many films of the era.

The film is notable for its use of elaborate sets and dramatic lighting, typical of silent films. It also features strong performances from its lead actors, contributing to the overall emotional impact of the story. The film's ending provides a resolution to the protagonist's plight, although some critics found it somewhat simplistic compared to the complexity of the issues raised within the film.

The film is preserved in several archives, though some versions may vary in length or quality due to the degradation of film stock over time. Modern viewers may find the acting style and narrative pacing of The Escape reflective of the silent film era, offering a glimpse into the filmmaking techniques and societal concerns of the late 1920s.