The Broken Doll (1910)

An American Indian child, maltreated by her mother and other tribespeople, accompanies her family to a nearby town to buy supplies. There, local white settlers — a couple and their young daughter — befriend the child and give her a doll, her first and only toy. Meanwhile, another tribesman is wantonly killed by a settler. Enraged, the Indians plan revenge and organize a war-party to attack the town. The Indians also take from the child the doll she was given and smash it. The child mourns her broken doll, and buries it with traditional tribal rites. Alarmed that her new friends will be harmed when the town is attacked, the child rushes ahead of the war-party to give warning of the imminent attack. In the raid the child is struck by a bullet, and makes her painful way to her doll’s burial site. Alone, she dies.

Director: D.W. Griffith
Runtime: 15 min
Release Date:

Cast

Production: American Mutoscope & Biograph
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: D.W. Griffith

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Broken Doll about?
An American Indian child, maltreated by her mother and other tribespeople, accompanies her family to a nearby town to buy supplies. There, local white settlers — a couple and their young daughter — befriend the child and give her a doll, her first and only toy. Meanwhile, another tribesman is wantonly killed by a settler. Enraged, the Indians plan revenge and organize a war-party to attack the town. The Indians also take from the child the doll she was given and smash it. The child mourns her broken doll, and buries it with traditional tribal rites. Alarmed that her new friends will be harmed when the town is attacked, the child rushes ahead of the war-party to give warning of the imminent attack. In the raid the child is struck by a bullet, and makes her painful way to her doll’s burial site. Alone, she dies.
Who directed The Broken Doll?
The Broken Doll was directed by D.W. Griffith.
Who stars in The Broken Doll?
The Broken Doll stars Gladys Egan, Linda Arvidson, Mack Sennett.
How long is The Broken Doll?
The Broken Doll has a runtime of 15m (15 minutes).