When Prince Dmitri Nekhludov is summoned to serve on a jury, he is shocked to discover the defendant is Katusha Maslova, a woman he once seduced and abandoned years earlier. Now accused of murder, her life has unraveled into poverty, humiliation, and despair – the direct result of his betrayal.

Haunted by guilt and ashamed of the role he played in her downfall, Nekhludov is forced to confront not only his past but also the cruelty and corruption of the society he inhabits. Determined to make amends, he vows to help Katusha regain her freedom and dignity, even if it means sacrificing his own privilege and comfort.

As he works to overturn her unjust conviction and advocates for her release, Nekhludov begins a profound journey of spiritual rebirth. His awakening compels him to renounce his former life of vanity and self-indulgence, embracing instead a path of humility, service, and moral courage.

“Resurrection”, adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s final novel, is a moving story of redemption, love, and the transformative power of conscience. D.W. Griffith’s early cinematic vision brings the Russian masterpiece to life, capturing its sweeping critique of social inequality and its deep faith in human capacity for change.

The film juxtaposes Katusha’s suffering and the harsh realities of an oppressive legal system against Nekhludov’s moral struggle and gradual transformation. In doing so, it delivers a powerful indictment of societal hypocrisy and a hopeful message about personal responsibility and spiritual renewal.

A landmark in silent cinema, “ Resurrection” showcases Griffith’s emerging narrative and technical skill while offering audiences a timeless exploration of justice, compassion, and the redemptive power of love and self-awareness.

Lead Cast

• Arthur V. Johnson
• Florence Lawrence
• Marion Leonard