The Feud and the Turkey (1908)
A trivial dispute had put the Wilkinsons and the Caulfields at loggerheads for years, and as time went on, the feeling became more bitter, until they even forbade their children to play together. The little ones in their childish innocence, could not appreciate their elders' odium, and Bobby Wilkinson and Nellie Caulfield became sweethearts; incensed Colonel Wilkinson tore the children apart and furiously ordered his son to never be seen in her company again. The Colonel's action ignited the ire of the Caulfields and a furious conflict ensued, resulting in the shooting to death of the Colonel's youngest son, 14-year-old George. From that time on the clans kept strictly to themselves. But love knows no clannishness, and, despite family hatred, Bob and Nellie remained lovers. After 10 years, driven to desperation by this apparently insurmountable barrier, they elope and are married. Bob decides to brave the storm of his father's anger and present his wife, but the old Colonel drives him from the house, disowning him. Old Aunt Dinah and Uncle Daniel, the colored servants, were so attached to the young folks that they go with them. Two years later the little family, not increased by an infant son, is in hardship: it's Christmas morning and there will be no turkey for dinner. Old Aunt Dinah, believing in the efficacy of prayer, gets down on her knees in the kitchen to ask the good Lord to send them a bird. Uncle Daniel, touched by this demonstration of faith, takes a gun and determines to get a turkey at any hazard. Over the hills he goes, but his journey is hopelessly fruitless until he comes to the rear of the Colonel's house. Tillie, the cook, has just hung a fat turkey on a post outside the kitchen door. When Daniel sees it he can't resist the temptation. Back home he hustles and finds Dinah still at prayer, he lays the fowl on the floor beside her and sneaks out. When Dinah sees it she thinks her prayers worked, and she cooks the turkey. Meanwhile, the Colonel has discovered his loss and tracked the thief to Bob's estate. As he enters, a tragedy seems inevitable, but when the old Colonel sees his baby grandson in his cradle, his heart goes out to him and the feud ends then and there. Everyone sits down together to enjoy a real Merry Christmas dinner.
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| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| D.W. Griffith | Director |
| D.W. Griffith | Writer |
| G.W. Bitzer | Cinematographer |
| Arthur Marvin | Cinematographer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Harry Solter | |
| Linda Arvidson | |
| Arthur V. Johnson | |
| Robert Harron |
