Human Desire (1919): cast, story & where to watch
1919 · Film
Released in 1919, Human Desire is a drama and romance film directed by Wilfrid North, running about 56 minutes.
What it’s about. The orphan Bernice (Stewart) is raised almost to womanhood by the good sisters in an Italian convent. Worshiping a picture of the Madonna and Child, she is seized by a great desire to have a child she can call her own. Running away to America, where she has been told babies are plentiful, she is taken in by Robert Bruce, an artist whose wife has refused to divorce him, and poses for his projected masterpiece, a Madonna. Bernice falls in love with the baby borrowed for this posing and is filled with sorrow when the child is taken away. Robert, who has become sincerely but honorably in love with the girl, adopts a baby for her. His wife meets Bernice and the baby, believes the worst, and insults her. Bernice takes the child and leaves the house, becoming lost in the city and finally finding refuge in a hospital where the child dies. Robert learns from his wife the reason for Bernice's departure, locates the girl, and, after divorcing his wife, marries her.
Who’s in it. Human Desire stars Anita Stewart as Berenice, Conway Tearle as Robert Lane, Vernon Steele as Jasper Norton and Eulalie Jensen as Helen Lane, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Human Desire page.
If you liked it. Fans of Human Desire tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Human Desire (1919)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Human Desire change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Human Desire?
- Human Desire stars Anita Stewart, Conway Tearle, Vernon Steele, Eulalie Jensen and Naomi Childers.
- When was Human Desire released?
- Human Desire was released in 1919, with a runtime of about 56 minutes.