The Spreading Dawn
“America's greatest emotional actress -- A famous and nationally-popular author -- A powerful and widely advertised story --- The Goldwin standard of production --- What a combination!”
Synopsis
Georgina asks permission from her old aunt, Patricia Mercer Vanderpyl, to marry Capt. Nugent before his departure for France. Patricia refuses and, in reply to Georgina's questioning, gives her a diary from her own girlhood to read. The diary unfolds the story of Patricia's marriage to soldier Anthony Vanderpyl. Returning on furlough after the outbreak of the Civil War, Anthony suddenly leaves Patricia to visit Mrs. Le Roy, an old flame, and is killed by her jealous husband. Positive that Anthony had been unfaithful to her, Patricia refuses to open the letter that her husband sent her on the day of his death. Georgina now opens it and discovers that Anthony had gone to Mrs. Le Roy to end the affair that his brother Bentley was having with her. With this revelation, Patricia sanctions her niece's marriage, then dies, joining Anthony in "the spreading dawn".
Top Cast
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Jane Cowl
Patricia Mercer Vanderpyl
Orme Caldara
Anthony Vanderpyl
Harry Spingler
Bentley Vanderpyl
Florence Billings
Mrs. Cornelia Le Roy
Henry Stephenson
Mr. LeRoy
Alice Chapin
Mrs. Mercer
Helena Blair
Young Lizzie
Cecil Owen
Colonel Lee
Mabel Ballin
Georgina Vanderpyl
Edmund Lowe
Captain Lewis Nugent
Edith McAlpin
Old Lizzie
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 21, 1917
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Laurence Trimble
- Screenplay & Story
- Basil King
- Original Title
- The Spreading Dawn
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 50m
- Production Studios
- Goldwyn Pictures Corporation
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Laurence Trimble
Basil King
Samuel Goldwyn
Department Leadership Roster
Laurence Trimble
Director
Basil King
Writer
Samuel Goldwyn
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Spreading Dawn.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Spreading Dawn
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Spreading Dawn about?
Georgina asks permission from her old aunt, Patricia Mercer Vanderpyl, to marry Capt. Nugent before his departure for France. Patricia refuses and, in reply to Georgina's questioning, gives her a diary from her own girlhood to read. The diary unfolds the story of Patricia's marriage to soldier Anthony Vanderpyl. Returning on furlough after the outbreak of the Civil War, Anthony suddenly leaves Patricia to visit Mrs. Le Roy, an old flame, and is killed by her jealous husband. Positive that Anthony had been unfaithful to her, Patricia refuses to open the letter that her husband sent her on the day of his death. Georgina now opens it and discovers that Anthony had gone to Mrs. Le Roy to end the affair that his brother Bentley was having with her. With this revelation, Patricia sanctions her niece's marriage, then dies, joining Anthony in "the spreading dawn".
Who directed The Spreading Dawn?
The Spreading Dawn was directed by Laurence Trimble.
Who stars in The Spreading Dawn?
The principal cast of The Spreading Dawn includes Jane Cowl, Orme Caldara, Harry Spingler, Florence Billings, Henry Stephenson.
When was The Spreading Dawn released and how long is it?
The Spreading Dawn was released in 1917 with a total runtime of 50m.