An Arcadian Maid

Main Plot

"An Arcadian Maid," directed by D.W. Griffith in 1910, is a silent film that delves into themes of deception and virtue. The story revolves around a young woman who, after arriving at a rural household, takes up a position as a maid. Her presence quickly becomes a point of fascination for the son of the household, who becomes infatuated with her. However, the narrative takes a darker turn with the arrival of a peddler who, recognizing the maid from her past, attempts to exploit this knowledge. He reveals a secret about her past in hopes of gaining leverage, but his plans do not unfold as he expects. The film explores the dynamics of trust, betrayal, and the struggle for personal redemption. Griffith's direction emphasizes the emotional turmoil and moral conflicts faced by the characters, framed by the pastoral beauty of the countryside. "An Arcadian Maid" showcases early cinematic techniques and narrative storytelling, highlighting the complexities of human nature and social interaction.

Characters

• Mary Pickford plays Priscilla, a poor country girl who becomes entangled with a deceptive peddler, leading to dramatic revelations and her ultimate vindication.
• Mack Sennett plays a wealthy squire who attempts to seduce a poor maid after she starts working at his estate.
• George Nichols plays a predatory tramp who attempts to assault the protagonist, Priscilla, after deceiving her employer in the 1910 silent film.

Ending Explained

In the 1910 silent film "An Arcadian Maid," directed by D.W. Griffith, the story concludes with the resolution of the main conflict involving the maid and the peddler. Throughout the film, the maid, portrayed by Mary Pickford, is depicted as a pure and innocent young woman who starts working at a rural household. A peddler, played by Mack Sennett, arrives and begins to influence the household with his charm, particularly captivating the maid. As the story unfolds, the peddler reveals his true intentions by attempting to steal a box of money from the household. The maid, upon discovering his plan, confronts him. In the climax, the peddler's deceitful nature is fully exposed when he tries to escape with the money. However, he is ultimately thwarted by the intervention of the farmhands who have grown suspicious of him. The peddler is apprehended and the stolen money is recovered. The conclusion serves to reaffirm the moral integrity and bravery of the maid, who despite her initial naivety, acts courageously to protect her employers' property. This ending highlights themes of virtue over deceit and the triumph of good over evil, common in Griffith's films. The maid's actions restore order and justice to the household,