Orphans of the Storm

Orphans of the Storm is a 1921 silent film, directed by D. W. Griffith and starring Lillian Gish. It was based on the French novel Les deux orphelines by Adolphe d'Ennery. It is also a remake of a lost 1915 film called The Two Orphans.

In 18th century France, Henriette and Louise are orphan sisters who struggle to survive in extreme poverty. Louise goes blind from malnutrition and Henriette is abducted by a lustful aristocrat. Meanwhile, unrest rises, and climaxes into the violent turmoil of the French Revolution, which is depicted from the perspective of both sisters.

This film is in the public domain and may be viewed in its entirety at YouTube.


 * Door Step Baby
 * During the War
 * Film of the Book
 * The French Revolution
 * Real Life Relative: Step-sisters Henriette and Louise are played by actual sisters Lillian and Dorothy Gish.
 * The Remake
 * Truth in Television: The movie includes several real life events and has commentary about different social classes.