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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1377

The Violin Maker of Cremona

190915 minUnited States

Synopsis

Two violin makers love Giannina, whose father offers her hand to the winner of a competition. Rivalry and secret exchanges of instruments place one man's desire to win against his wish to make her happy.

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Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs: 12:11
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified. No subtitle track in this language.

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · D. W. Griffith · Public domain

This copy runs shorter than the reference runtime. Editing and playback speed can differ between editions.

Cast

Herbert Prior

Mary Pickford

Owen Moore

DirectorsD. W. Griffith

Inspirations

The story adapts François Coppée's play Le Luthier de Crémone. Mary Pickford plays Giannina in this early Biograph appearance, with craftsmanship becoming a test of generosity as well as skill.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits Additional film reference

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 16, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

Herbert Prior — Unknown author Unknown author; NPGallery · Public domain
Mary Pickford — Rufus Porter Moody · Public domain
Owen Moore — Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research · Public domain

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