Public Domain Movies | The Scarlet Letter
The film is set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts and revolves around the character Hester Prynne (played by Lillian Gish). Hester is married to an elderly scholar, Roger Prynne (Henry B. Walthall), who has been away for an extended period. Believing her husband is lost at sea, Hester falls into the arms of the young minister Arthur Dimmesdale (Lars Hanson). When Hester becomes pregnant, the townspeople, including her husband who miraculously returns, condemn her for adultery. As a punishment, she is forced to wear the scarlet letter 'A' on her chest to symbolize her sin. Despite public shaming and ostracism, Hester refuses to reveal the name of the child's father. The tormented Reverend Dimmesdale struggles with the guilt of his hidden transgressions. As the community is unaware of his involvement, he is revered as a virtuous man, but the weight of his secret takes a toll on his health. The story unfolds as Hester and Dimmesdale navigate the societal condemnation, with Hester embracing her role as a mother and facing the consequences of her actions. The narrative builds to a climactic revelation, ultimately exploring themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the consequences of societal judgment (1949).
Director: Stuart Heisler
Stars: Susan Hayward, Robert Preston, Pedro Armendáriz
