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UNITED STATES · 1909

The Expiation

D.W. Griffith
unrequited love guilt and redemption sacrifice misunderstanding moral restraint
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Synopsis

William is drawn to Edward's wife, Helen. Sensing his feelings might lead him into an affair, he decides to go away. As he says goodbye to Helen, Edward spies from behind a curtain. Soon afterwards Edward shoots himself, believing Helen can be happier with William. When William returns to convince Helen to become his wife, she refuses, blaming herself for Edward's suicide.

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