This gem is presented by Silent Hall of Fame. Please visit https://silent-hall-of-fame.org/ to support our non-profit mission and the legacy of silent movie stars by making a tax deductible contribution. FEEL FREE TO FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SilentFilmGems "1776, or The Hessian Renegades" is a short war drama. The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of our stars Billy Bitzer, Arthur V. Johnson and Robert Harron. The Hessians were German soldiers in service with the British during the American War of Independence. In the film a group of Hessians chases a revolutionary courier carrying an important message to George Washington. Directed by D.W. Griffith Cinematography by Billy Bitzer, Arthur Marvin Starring Owen Moore, James Kirkwood, Mary Pickford, Robert Harron, Arthur V. Johnson Distributed by Biograph Company Release date September 6, 1909 Country United States Running time 10 m. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: "Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."