This was just an okay short by D. W. Griffith from 1909. While the scene of the man in the mill towards the end is really exciting to watch, the film, in general, just seems awfully preachy and overly melodramatic. That's mostly because it is a not very subtle film about the evils of greed and crop speculation. The film, unnecessarily starts by focusing on the farmers who grow the wheat. Then it switches to a Board of Trade-type location as a tycoon is trying to corner the market on wheat. He's thrilled with all the money and is oblivious to the harm this causes to the poor (another not too relevant scene about po' folks not being able to buy bread was included). However, despite this antiquated film style and its heavy-handed lesson on Civics, the movie does end well--with a very, very unique scene that makes it worth watching all 14 minutes. Come on, it's only 14 minutes--it's probably worth your time to try it. At worst, you're only out 14 minutes out of your life!!!
By the way, later in his career, Griffith was a staunch anti-Communist. I wonder if he STILL would have made such a Populist-centered type of film at that time? A CORNER OF WHEAT could be seen as a possible plea for Socialism or even Communism!
By the way, later in his career, Griffith was a staunch anti-Communist. I wonder if he STILL would have made such a Populist-centered type of film at that time? A CORNER OF WHEAT could be seen as a possible plea for Socialism or even Communism!