Movie spotlight
Mary Jane's Pa
After wandering the world for fifteen years, Hiram Perkins returns home to find his wife running a small town newspaper to support their two daughters. With pity in her heart, Mrs. Perkins allows her husband to stay in the house providing that he not disclose his identity. Mrs. Perkins is waging a battle against the re-election of Joel Skinner for a seat in the assembly, and when she learns that Skinner has mistreated old Mrs. Miller, she is determined to expose his actions. Rome Preston, running in opposition to Skinner, requests that she stop the story, but Mrs. Perkins refuses and so Preston disables the press. With Hiram's help, Mrs. Perkins prints the story and Skinner is defeated. In revenge, Skinner's men burn the press and demand that Hiram be tarred and feathered. At this moment, Mrs. Perkins acknowledges that Hiram is her husband and all is forgiven as the Perkins family is reunited.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this silent short film, a father tries to keep his daughter away from a suitor he disapproves of. The father's efforts to thwart the romance lead to humorous complications and misunderstandings. Ultimately, the daughter finds a way to be with the person she loves, despite her father's attempts to intervene.
Critical Reception
As a silent short from 1917, specific critical reception is not readily available. However, films from Alice Guy-Blaché are generally appreciated for their early innovation and storytelling in the nascent film industry. This particular short would have been viewed as a lighthearted comedy suitable for the era's audiences.
What Reviewers Say
A charming, if simple, comedic short from a pioneering female director.
Showcases early cinematic techniques in storytelling and humor.
Represents a typical light entertainment offering of the silent film era.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is unavailable due to its age and the historical context of film distribution and archiving.
Fun Fact
Alice Guy-Blaché, the director of 'Mary Jane's Pa,' was one of the first women to direct films and was a pioneer in the early days of cinema, even experimenting with sound and color technologies.
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