His Trust/His Trust Fufilled (1911 Film) -- Directed By D.W. Griffith -- Full Movie

In every southern home there was the old trusted body-servant, whose faithful devotion to his master's family was extreme to the extent of even laying down his life, if required. This Biograph subject portrays a story which in no way exaggerates the self-sacrificing love of the man for his master. The cruel war has just begun and when Colonel Frazier leaves home to join his regiment of Confederate soldiers, he tells George, his body-servant, to take good care of the wife and child he is leaving behind. A short time after the husband is killed in battle and one of his comrades brings the news of his death to his wife, giving her his sword. This is hung over the mantel. This is indeed a heavy blow to the poor woman, but her burden is made heavier when the Union forces appear, plunder the house and burn it to the ground. When this occurs the child is alone asleep in her crib, it being the hour of her afternoon nap, and the mother has gone for a walk about the grounds for diversion to ease her heartache. The old servant is also out on the farm repairing a hedge. Seeing the flames he at once thinks of the child. Without thought of self, George dashes through the flames into the house, where he finds the child on the floor, overcome by the heat and smoke, and carries her out, placing her safely in her mother's arms, the poor woman being in front of the burning house, frantic with anxiety. Recovering somewhat from the effects of his struggle in the house, he thinks of his master's sword, and at the risk of his life he reenters the building and secures it. It is not long after that the entire house collapses and a most pitiable illustration is given here of the sufferings of many a southern woman during that awful time of strife, homeless, with no apparent asylum. George now realizes the sacredness of his trust, and taking the heartbroken woman by the hand, leads her and the child to his own humble log cabin, where he gives his all for their comfort, he being content to spread a blanket on the ground outside the door on which to lay his head. Thus far has the servant been faithful to his trust -- Moving Picture World

Directed by D. W. Griffith
Written by Emmett C. Hall
Starring Wilfred Lucas
Cinematography G. W. Bitzer
Distributed by Biograph Company
Release date

January 16, 1911

Running time
14 minutes (18 frame/s)
Country United States
Language Silent with English intertitles