The Death of a Stage Actor: the Genesis of a Film.

The article explores the links between the late-Victorian stage and early film. It discusses the implications of the February 12, 1909 suicide committed by English actor C.J Warner, who became world-famous for his role in the film "Drink," for the rise of late-Victorian stage and early film. It examines the thinking and working method of film director D. W. Griffith, and reconsiders Griffith's film "A Drunkard's Reformation," which is reportedly unique among Griffith's films in having its genesis in an immediate current event which would appear to have no direct personal link with Griffith, but may relate to Griffith's earlier and continuing involvement with the New York theatrical world.