The Great Love (Artcraft, 1918). Three Sheet (42" X 80").. ...

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The Great Love (Artcraft, 1918). Three Sheet (42" X 80").
D.W. Griffith and his cameraman Billy Bitzer traveled to England in 1917 to shoot documentary footage that was to be used in Hearts of the World (1918). Such British aristocrats as Sir Frederick Treves (the Elephant Man's doctor) and Queen Alexandra (Edward VII's widow) were filmed, as well as a terrifying Zeppelin attack on London. Griffith was pleased with his time in England and with the attitude of the British high society. "I never really knew the meaning of the word 'graciousness' until I went to England and began to produce my picture-plays over there. (The nobility) directing and supervising the affairs of the empire...gladly took the time to assist in the making of this picture." The real-life scenes ended up not being used for Hearts, but were included in this melodrama starring Lillian Gish and Robert Harron. Jim Young (Harron) from Youngstown, Ohio wants to fight the Germans in World War I before America gets into the conflict. He joins the British Army and, while training in London, meets Australian nurse Susie Broadplains (Gish). Sir Roger Brighton (Henry B. Walthall) is his competition for Susie's hand (and her large inheritance!) Brighton turns out to be a traitor, and Jim must foil his plots before he can win Susie's love. Of the 450 films that Griffith directed, some 440 still exist. Unfortunately, this is one of the few that are lost. Exceptional restoration has addressed fold wear, tears with small chips within, and creasing. The borders on the left border of the top two panels have been replaced slightly into the background, as well as part of the right and upper borders with some of the border still remaining. There were two sections of paper loss in the left side and lower right portion of the bottom panel in the credits and title area, with some parts of the border replaced. Beautiful stone litho artwork of the two stars of this lost film. We are unaware of another copy of this poster in existence. Fine on Linen.