The Struggle (1931)

Synopsis: In D.W. Griffith's final film--an early, low-budget talkie--he explores the pros and cons of prohibition in relation to one man's struggle with alcoholism. Jimmy (Hal Skelly) starts out just having... In D.W. Griffith's final film--an early, low-budget talkie--he explores the pros and cons of prohibition in relation to one man's struggle with alcoholism. Jimmy (Hal Skelly) starts out just having a couple at the local speakeasy, but finds he can't stop. His wife (Zita Johann), and his daughter (Charlotte Winters) watch helplessly as his behavior becomes more and more embarassing. Eventually he loses his job, and then lets a seductive gold-digger trick him out of their life savings. The situation grows even more harrowing as he eventually stops coming home altogether, and winds up a shivering and delusional derelict, drinking alone in a condemned building. Though not the director's best work, this austere little picture is pretty effective in capturing its subject matter, marking a return to form for Griffith as a fearless illuminator of society's maladies. Sadly, its resounding failure at the box office left him destitute. Universal Horror fans will want to catch this opportunity to see Zita Johann (from 1932's THE MUMMY) as Florrie, Jimmy's long-suffering wife. The film is based on a story by Anita Loos and John Emerson. [More]

Starring: Hal Skelly, Zita Johann, Evelyn Baldwin, Charles Richman

Starring: Hal Skelly, Zita Johann, Evelyn Baldwin, Charles Richman, Helen Mack, Scott Moore, Charlotte Wynters

Director: D.W. Griffith

Director: D.W. Griffith
Screenwriter: Anita Loos, John Emerson
Producer: William N. Selig
Composer: Philip Scheib
Screenwriter: D.W. Griffith
Producer: D.W. Griffith
Composer: D.W. Griffith

[See More Credits]