Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-09-11
GRIFFITH FILMS
WAY DOWN EAST
Standard Rural Melodrama
Rich in Romance and
Realism

Chestnut-'Way Down East" as Grif-
hthized, is another masterpiece TO be
hung in the movie gallery OF pictures,
There Is no attempt at spectacle nor
clash of race. as in other Griffith films,
but just straightforward perturbation
Of one of the standard American rural
melodramas. Last evenings perform
ance took on the guise Of first night"
for the director, Lillian Gish, Richard
Barthlemess, Mary Hay, Kate Bruce and
others who participated in the making
OF the picture appeared in person to re-
ceiXe the plaudits of an enthusiastic
audience. Ha
Spectators were lifted to a high pitch
of excitement in the last fifteen minutes.
The scene Is the rescue of Lillian Gish
by Richard Barthelmess. The girl Is
lying upon cake of ice in mad-rush-
ing river with the falls just few yards
below, where the boy saves her from
going over with the Jagged ice foes. III
the battle In the water does not bring
the pulse to beat at a rapid rate or set
the nerves in a high state, then the spec
tator would better see nothing but trav-
elogues or the making of a powder pun
In an Industrial movie. The rescue Of
the heroine will long be the topic OF
discussion wherever this picture is ex-
hibited. It outdoes the thrillers Of the
serial makers.
Aside from the surprising climax, other
touches make this picture a gem OF direcT
heroine Is cast by the man In whose
home she has been n servant Is the most
realistic which has been shown on the
screen and vies with the London fog In
his Broken Blossoms" for beauty Of
y photography, as do the many rustic
| scenes. A contrast to the pastoral
beauty is that in the home Of the wealthy
aunt, where the girl goes at the begin-
ming OF the story and where she meets
Ia flakx nNYt. lar tNIN n
| ceremony. In this episode Mrs. Morgan
Belmont has an important role.
The country store, which has It's pro-
| verbal round stove and the porch upon
which lounge the habitues OF the place,
| are true to form; while the cat which
dozes In the warm summer day IL q gem
OF animal introduction. The coaxing OF
| a horse up hill with a bit Of grass Is
another diverting rural touch. The barn
dance is superb.
OF the individual players 1t must be
| said that Lillian Gish has made new
place for herself by her beautiful crea-
tlon OF the girl who reaches motherhood
and then loses her baby: The scene
where she christens her child is pathetic.
| Richard Bartelmass Is rather slow get
ting under way with his role. but he
reaches dramatic heights with the rescue
| climax. Burr Mcintosh as the father
gives a fine portrayal, as does Viva
| Ogden as the gossiping maid both were
In the original cast. Lowell sherman Is
| the polished villain without fault. while
little Mary Hay and Edgar Nelson sup
| ply minor roles. Creighton Hale, the
| professor who loves Miss Hay. Is de-
| lightful in his comedy way, as Is Porter
| Strong as the constable.
Announced as simple story for sim
pie people, 1t is really a good story for
! all classes of people without regard TO
mental attitudes toward art. II was
made from tho play of Lottie Blair Par
| lter by Anthony Paul Kelly. G. w.
Bitter and Hendrix Sartov were the
photographers. The scenes taken near
White River Junction, VT. are faithful
| to the locale of the original story.