The Greatest Question Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Greatest Question.
The Greatest Question Ending Explained: Young Nellie Jarvis, daughter of a wandering couple, witnesses the murder of a woman by a man and his wife. Directed by D.W. Griffith, this 1919 drama film stars Lillian Gish (Nellie Jarvis), alongside Robert Harron as Jimmie Hilton, Ralph Graves as John Hilton Jr., Eugenie Besserer as Mrs. Hilton. With a 6.1/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Greatest Question?
Young Nellie Jarvis, daughter of a wandering couple, witnesses the murder of a woman by a man and his wife. Years later, "Little Miss Yes'm", as Nellie is known, returns to the area as an orphan. Locals Mr. and Mrs. Hilton, though poverty stricken, take her into their family. Fully integrated with the loving Hiltons, she wishes to relieve them of their financial strain. Nellie travels to a nearby farmhouse to gain employment from depraved Martin Cain and his paranoid wife.
D.W. Griffith's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Lillian Gish (Nellie Jarvis)'s journey. Years later, "Little Miss Yes'm", as Nellie is known, returns to the area as an orphan.
How Does Lillian Gish (Nellie Jarvis)'s Story End?
- Lillian Gish: Lillian Gish's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Robert Harron (Jimmie Hilton): Robert Harron's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ralph Graves (John Hilton Jr.): Ralph Graves's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Greatest Question Mean?
The Greatest Question's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Lillian Gish may feel rushed. D.W. Griffith's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.