The Primal Call (1911): cast, story & where to watch

1911 · Film · ★ 4

The Primal Call poster

Released in 1911, The Primal Call is a drama and romance film directed by D.W. Griffith, running about 17 minutes.

What it’s about. A young woman who is engaged to a millionaire she doesn't love meets and falls in love with a rough sailor.

Who’s in it. The Primal Call stars Wilfred Lucas as The Fisherman, Claire McDowell as The Woman, Grace Henderson as The Woman's Mother and Dell Henderson as The Creditor, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.0/10, The Primal Call has proved divisive with audiences.

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

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

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Primal Call (1911)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Primal Call change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Primal Call worth watching?
The Primal Call holds an audience score of 4.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Primal Call?
The Primal Call stars Wilfred Lucas, Claire McDowell, Grace Henderson, Dell Henderson and Joseph Graybill.
When was The Primal Call released?
The Primal Call was released in 1911, with a runtime of about 17 minutes.