The Common Cause
Synopsis
Helene Palmer and her husband Orrin have grown apart, and she becomes infatuated with bachelor Edward Wadsworth. With the outbreak of World War I, Orrin and Edward enlist, while Helene works as a Red Cross nurse in a small French town. Edward is wounded on a dangerous scouting mission near the town and Orrin carries him to safety. The enemy invades during the night, and Orrin rescues Helene as she is about to be overpowered by a German officer. The dying Edward, morally strengthened by his experience as a soldier, encourages the couple to reunite. Soon after, peace is declared.
Top Cast
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Effie Shannon
Belgium (prologue)
Irene Castle
France (prologue)
Violet Heming
Britannia (prologue)
Julia Arthur
Italy (prologue)
Marjorie Rambeau
Columbia (prologue)
Herbert Rawlinson
Orrin Palmer
Sylvia Breamer
Helene Palmer
Huntley Gordon
Edward Wadsworth
Lawrence Grossmith
Tommy Atkins
Louis Dean
German General
Charles Stuart Blackton
Little Belgian Refugee
Violet Virginia Blackton
Little Belgian Refugee
Philip Van Loan
The Poilu
Marcelle Carroll
French Girl
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 5, 1919
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- J. Stuart Blackton
- Screenplay & Story
- Ian Hay, Percival Knight, J. Hartley Manners
- Original Title
- The Common Cause
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 1h 10m
- Production Studios
- J. Stuart Blackton Feature Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
J. Stuart Blackton
Ian Hay, Percival Knight, J. Hartley Manners, Anthony Paul Kelly
Otto Brautigan
J. Stuart Blackton
Department Leadership Roster
J. Stuart Blackton
Director
Ian Hay
Screenplay
Anthony Paul Kelly
Writer
Percival Knight
Screenplay
J. Hartley Manners
Screenplay
J. Stuart Blackton
Producer
Otto Brautigan
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Common Cause.
Featured In Curated Collections
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War: World War I
Auto-filled from Letterboxd lists
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Common Cause
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Common Cause about?
Helene Palmer and her husband Orrin have grown apart, and she becomes infatuated with bachelor Edward Wadsworth. With the outbreak of World War I, Orrin and Edward enlist, while Helene works as a Red Cross nurse in a small French town. Edward is wounded on a dangerous scouting mission near the town and Orrin carries him to safety. The enemy invades during the night, and Orrin rescues Helene as she is about to be overpowered by a German officer. The dying Edward, morally strengthened by his experience as a soldier, encourages the couple to reunite. Soon after, peace is declared.
Who directed The Common Cause?
The Common Cause was directed by J. Stuart Blackton.
Who stars in The Common Cause?
The principal cast of The Common Cause includes Effie Shannon, Irene Castle, Violet Heming, Julia Arthur, Marjorie Rambeau.
When was The Common Cause released and how long is it?
The Common Cause was released in 1919 with a total runtime of 1h 10m.