The Criminal Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Criminal.
The Criminal Ending Explained: A young Italian immigrant girl, uneducated and superstitious, finds an abandoned baby on the stairs of her tenement, with a note attached explaining the baby is illegitimate. Directed by Reginald Barker, this 1916 drama film stars Clara Williams (Naneta), alongside William Desmond as Donald White, Enid Willis as The Baby, Joseph J. Dowling as Carlos Lupoli. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Criminal?
A young Italian immigrant girl, uneducated and superstitious, finds an abandoned baby on the stairs of her tenement, with a note attached explaining the baby is illegitimate. A young newspaper reporter, whom the girl knows from waiting on him at the restaurant where she works, reads the note for her. But the police arrest her, at no evidence whatsoever other than possession of the baby, for kidnapping.
Reginald Barker's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Clara Williams (Naneta)'s journey. A young newspaper reporter, whom the girl knows from waiting on him at the restaurant where she works, reads the note for her.
How Does Clara Williams (Naneta)'s Story End?
- Clara Williams: Clara Williams's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- William Desmond (Donald White): William Desmond's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Enid Willis (The Baby): Enid Willis's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Criminal Mean?
The ending of The Criminal brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Clara Williams's story may not satisfy all audiences.