The Spreading Dawn
1917, English. Directed by Laurence Trimble.
America's greatest emotional actress -- A famous and nationally-popular author -- A powerful and widely advertised story --- The Goldwin standard of production --- What a combination!
Georgina asks permission from her old aunt, Patricia Mercer Vanderpyl, to marry Capt. Nugent before his departure for France. Patricia refuses and, in reply to Georgina's questioning, gives her a diary from her own girlhood to read. The diary unfolds the story of Patricia's marriage to soldier Anthony Vanderpyl. Returning on furlough after the outbreak of the Civil War, Anthony suddenly leaves Patricia to visit Mrs. Le Roy, an old flame, and is killed by her jealous husband. Positive that Anthony had been unfaithful to her, Patricia refuses to open the letter that her husband sent her on the day of his death. Georgina now opens it and discovers that Anthony had gone to Mrs. Le Roy to end the affair that his brother Bentley was having with her. With this revelation, Patricia sanctions her niece's marriage, then dies, joining Anthony in "the spreading dawn".
- Runtime
- 0h 50m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Spreading Dawn
The Spreading Dawn isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 21 October 1917.
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Cast & crew
- Laurence TrimbleDirector
- Jane CowlPatricia Mercer Vanderpyl
- Orme CaldaraAnthony Vanderpyl
- Harry SpinglerBentley Vanderpyl
- Florence BillingsMrs. Cornelia Le Roy
- Henry StephensonMr. LeRoy
- Alice ChapinMrs. Mercer
- Helena BlairYoung Lizzie
- Cecil OwenColonel Lee
- Mabel BallinGeorgina Vanderpyl
- Edmund LoweCaptain Lewis Nugent
- Edith McAlpinOld Lizzie
Details
- Released
- 21 October 1917
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Basil King
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News & fan talk
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The Spreading Dawn: quick answers
Is The Spreading Dawn worth watching?
The Spreading Dawn doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Spreading Dawn?
The Spreading Dawn runs 50 minutes (0h 50m).
Does The Spreading Dawn have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Spreading Dawn. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Spreading Dawn parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Spreading Dawn yet.
Which OTT platform is The Spreading Dawn on?
The Spreading Dawn isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 21 October 1917. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Spreading Dawn?
If you liked The Spreading Dawn, try Gabriel's Redemption: Part I, Maria's Lovers, Blind.
Who directed The Spreading Dawn?
The Spreading Dawn (1917) was directed by Laurence Trimble and stars Jane Cowl, Orme Caldara, Harry Spingler.