The Microbe
Synopsis
Happy O'Brien, called "The Microbe," or "Mike" for short, a female street urchin who sells newspapers dressed as a boy to avoid harassment, is saved from arrest for fighting other newsboys in Chinatown by wealthy author DeWitt Spense. DeWitt, there to purchase drugs, is so moved by Mike's pugnacity, that he takes her to his mansion for literary inspiration. When DeWitt learns that Mike is a girl, he resolves to educate her. As Mike blossoms, DeWitt's attentions turn to love, to the dismay of Judith Winthrope, who wants to marry him, and his friend Robert Breton, who, with Judith, convinces Mike that DeWitt's writing is suffering because of her.
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Release History & Theatrical Window
July 21, 1919
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Henry Otto
- Screenplay & Story
- Henry Altimus, June Mathis
- Original Title
- The Microbe
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 50m
- Production Studios
- Metro Pictures Corporation
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Henry Otto
Henry Altimus, June Mathis
Maxwell Karger, John Arnold
Department Leadership Roster
Henry Otto
Director
June Mathis
Writer
Maxwell Karger
Director of Photography
John Arnold
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Microbe.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Microbe
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Microbe about?
Happy O'Brien, called "The Microbe," or "Mike" for short, a female street urchin who sells newspapers dressed as a boy to avoid harassment, is saved from arrest for fighting other newsboys in Chinatown by wealthy author DeWitt Spense. DeWitt, there to purchase drugs, is so moved by Mike's pugnacity, that he takes her to his mansion for literary inspiration. When DeWitt learns that Mike is a girl, he resolves to educate her. As Mike blossoms, DeWitt's attentions turn to love, to the dismay of Judith Winthrope, who wants to marry him, and his friend Robert Breton, who, with Judith, convinces Mike that DeWitt's writing is suffering because of her.
Who directed The Microbe?
The Microbe was directed by Henry Otto.
Who stars in The Microbe?
The principal cast of The Microbe includes Viola Dana, Kenneth Harlan, Bonnie Hill, Arthur Maude, Ned Norworth.
When was The Microbe released and how long is it?
The Microbe was released in 1919 with a total runtime of 50m.