The Microbe (1919): cast, story & where to watch
1919 · Film · ★ 8
Released in 1919, The Microbe is a comedy film directed by Henry Otto, running about 50 minutes.
What it’s about. Happy O'Brien, called "The Microbe," or "Mike" for short, a female street urchin who sells newspapers dressed as a boy to avoid harassment, is saved from arrest for fighting other newsboys in Chinatown by wealthy author DeWitt Spense. DeWitt, there to purchase drugs, is so moved by Mike's pugnacity, that he takes her to his mansion for literary inspiration. When DeWitt learns that Mike is a girl, he resolves to educate her. As Mike blossoms, DeWitt's attentions turn to love, to the dismay of Judith Winthrope, who wants to marry him, and his friend Robert Breton, who, with Judith, convinces Mike that DeWitt's writing is suffering because of her.
Who’s in it. The Microbe stars Viola Dana as Happy O'Brien, The Microbe, Kenneth Harlan as DeWitt Spense, Arthur Maude as Robert Breton and Bonnie Hill as Judith Winthrope, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, The Microbe sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Microbe page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Microbe tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Microbe (1919)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Microbe change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Microbe worth watching?
- The Microbe holds an audience score of 8.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Microbe?
- The Microbe stars Viola Dana, Kenneth Harlan, Arthur Maude, Bonnie Hill and Ned Norworth.
- When was The Microbe released?
- The Microbe was released in 1919, with a runtime of about 50 minutes.