The Broken Cross Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Broken Cross.
The Broken Cross Ending Explained: Before Tom departs for the city, he becomes engaged to Kate. Directed by D.W. Griffith, this 1911 romance film stars Charles West (Tom), alongside Florence La Badie as Kate, Grace Henderson as The Landlady, Dorothy West as The Manicurist. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Broken Cross?
Before Tom departs for the city, he becomes engaged to Kate. She gives him half of her broken pendant cross, with the agreement that either can end the engagement by sending his or her half to the other. In a city boarding house, Tom is vamped by a flirtatious manicurist who learns of the agreement and sends Tom half a cross, pretending it is from Kate. Tom realizes he has been tricked and returns to the country and his fiancée.
D.W. Griffith's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Charles West (Tom)'s journey. She gives him half of her broken pendant cross, with the agreement that either can end the engagement by sending his or her half to the other.
How Does Charles West (Tom)'s Story End?
- Charles West: Charles West's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Florence La Badie (Kate): Florence La Badie's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Grace Henderson (The Landlady): Grace Henderson's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Broken Cross Mean?
The ending of The Broken Cross brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Charles West's story may not satisfy all audiences.