The Lost House (1915): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1915, The Lost House is a drama film directed by Christy Cabanne, running about 40 minutes.

What it’s about. Before his niece and ward, Dosia Dale, comes of age, her uncle, who has spent her entire fortune, must think of a way to account for his actions. He proposes marriage, and when Dosia indignantly refuses him, he conspires with his evil friend, Dr. Protheroe, to do away with her. Declaring Dosia insane, the two men lock her up in the doctor's insane asylum, but she manages to drop a note from the window. Her plea for help is found by a reporter named Ford, who feigns insanity in order to gain admittance to the asylum. Dr. Protheroe becomes suspicious of Ford and locks him up with Dosia, whereupon Ford, knowing that his friend Cuthbert will notify the police if he and Dosia do not emerge safely by twelve, barricades the door and waits. In a furious battle with the police and the militia, Dosia's uncle and Dr. Protheroe are killed and the house set ablaze, but Ford and Dosia escape, leaping from the roof into a fire net below. All danger passed, Ford and Dosia become engaged.

Who’s in it. The Lost House stars Wallace Reid as Ford, Lillian Gish as Dosia Dale, F.A. Turner as Dosia's Uncle and Elmer Clifton as Cuthbert, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Lost House page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Lost House tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.