The Common Cause poster

Movie

The Common Cause

19191h 10m

Helene Palmer and her husband Orrin have grown apart, and she becomes infatuated with bachelor Edward Wadsworth. With the outbreak of World War I, Orrin and Edward enlist, while Helene works as a Red Cross nurse in a small French town. Edward is wounded on a dangerous scouting mission near the town and Orrin carries him to safety. The enemy invades during the night, and Orrin rescues Helene as she is about to be overpowered by a German officer. The dying Edward, morally strengthened by his experience as a soldier, encourages the couple to reunite. Soon after, peace is declared.

Availability

Not streaming in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

The Common Cause opened in theaters January 5, 1919. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

Helene Palmer and her husband Orrin have grown apart, and she becomes infatuated with bachelor Edward Wadsworth. With the outbreak of World War I, Orrin and Edward enlist, while Helene works as a Red Cross nurse in a small French town. Edward is wounded on a dangerous scouting mission near the town and Orrin carries him to safety. The enemy invades during the night, and Orrin rescues Helene as she is about to be overpowered by a German officer. The dying Edward, morally strengthened by his experience as a soldier, encourages the couple to reunite. Soon after, peace is declared.

More about The Common Cause

Cast

Effie ShannonBelgium (prologue)
Irene CastleFrance (prologue)
Violet HemingBritannia (prologue)
Julia ArthurItaly (prologue)
Marjorie RambeauColumbia (prologue)
Herbert RawlinsonOrrin Palmer
Sylvia BreamerHelene Palmer
Huntley GordonEdward Wadsworth

Credits

Directed by
J. Stuart Blackton
Written by
Anthony Paul Kelly, Ian Hay, J. Hartley Manners, Percival Knight

Production details

Status
Released
Original language
English

Production

  • J. Stuart Blackton Feature Pictures

Themes

lost film