The Chief's Blanket Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

The Chief's Blanket Ending Explained: When the Great Chief's body is placed before the funeral pile by his mourning braves, his sacred blanket is covered over it and a sentinel left to watch that this, his last resting place, is not desecrated. Directed by D.W. Griffith, this 1912 western film stars Lionel Barrymore (The Young Man), alongside Blanche Sweet as The Young Woman, W. Chrystie Miller as The Father, Charles West as The Outlaw. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.

What Happens at the End of The Chief's Blanket?

When the Great Chief's body is placed before the funeral pile by his mourning braves, his sacred blanket is covered over it and a sentinel left to watch that this, his last resting place, is not desecrated. The tribe has just departed for their village when a mountain outlaw appears and succeeds in stealing the blanket, having given the sentinel doctored whiskey. When the Indians discover this they exile the unfaithful sentinel until he can recover the blanket.

D.W. Griffith's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Lionel Barrymore (The Young Man)'s journey. The tribe has just departed for their village when a mountain outlaw appears and succeeds in stealing the blanket, having given the sentinel doctored whiskey.

How Does Lionel Barrymore (The Young Man)'s Story End?

Lionel Barrymore: Lionel Barrymore's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
Blanche Sweet (The Young Woman): Blanche Sweet's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
W. Chrystie Miller (The Father): W. Chrystie Miller's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Chief's Blanket Mean?

The ending of The Chief's Blanket brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Lionel Barrymore's story may not satisfy all audiences.