The Coward (1915) Full Film

The Coward is a 1915 American silent historical war drama film directed by Reginald Barker and produced by Thomas H. Ince. Ince also wrote the film's scenario with C. Gardner Sullivan, from a story Ince had bought from writer (and future director) Edward Sloman. The film stars Frank Keenan and Charles Ray.[2] John Gilbert also appears in an uncredited bit part.[3] A copy of The Coward is preserved at the Museum of Modern Art.[4]Show more

Plot
Set during the American Civil War, Keenan stars as a Virginia colonel, with Charles Ray as his weak-willed son. The son is forced, at gunpoint, by his father to enlist in the Confederate States Army. He is terrified by the war and deserts during a battle. The film focuses on the son's struggle to overcome his cowardice.

Cast
Frank Keenan as Col. Jefferson Beverly Winslow
Charles Ray as Frank Winslow
Gertrude Claire as Mrs. Elizabeth Winslow
Nick Cogley as a Negro Servant
Charles K. French as a Confederate Commander
Margaret Gibson as Amy
Minnie Provost as Mammy
John Gilbert as a Young Virginian (uncredited)
Bob Kortman as a Union Officer (uncredited)
Leo Willis as a Union Soldier (uncredited)
Reception
The Coward was both a critical and financial success and helped to launch Charles Ray's career.[3]

Criticism
Unusually at the time, the main character is not presented as a gallant Southerner who is eager to fight in the war.[5]

The acting in this film was much more natural than earlier films, with cutting and camera angles helping the actor's use of facial expressions and pauses to convey dramatic tension.[6]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coward_(1915_film)